Leo Cullen warns Leinster must 'respect' festive fixture against Munster

Ahead of Leinster's St Stephen’s Day trip to Munster, Leo Cullen has warned his players that they must "respect the fixture".

The sides meet in round eight of the BKT United Rugby Championship next Tuesday and the tie comes just a month after their last clash, which Leinster won 21-16 at the Aviva Stadium.

It also comes as the news of RG Snyman’s switch from Red to Blue, which was described by Munster boss Graham Rowntree as a "huge surprise", was confirmed, and, of course, in the middle of the festive season.

"There are plenty of distractions this time of year so [we have to] make sure we respect the fixture," said Cullen, whose side are top of the standings, three points clear of Glasgow.

"[Weather-wise] you need to be able to deal with what’s in front of you this time of year. You've got to make sure you get to the emotional pitch.

"It’s an exciting fixture and hopefully our guys will be up for the challenge."

Leinster come in off the back of two victories in the Investec Champions Cup, including a come-from-behind win over Sale at the weekend.

Munster, meanwhile, are reeling after blowing leads against Bayonne in a 17-17 draw and a 32-24 loss at Exeter.

Cullen says they will target a faster start against a side that comes out of the blocks quickly.

"In terms of the game it’s unusual because we only played them a few weeks ago," said the 45-year-old.

"They started that game well and we had to claw our way back into it.

"Munster have started a lot of their games well, even at the weekend against Exeter, the previous weekend against Bayonne so just making sure that we are a little more accurate.

"Even off the back of our own game against Sale where we had a slow start in the game.

"You probably can’t get away with that over the