Possible top seeds Munster free to consider knock-out URC games at Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Things have changed, changed quite significantly.

Leinster's third defeat in four games, to Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night, combined with Munster's eighth win in a row sees the sides swap spots in the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

The move to Croke Park and the full house against Northampton had fans beginning to think about a 2009 rematch between Leinster and Munster at GAA HQ.

It's highly unlikely now with Leinster's hope of getting the number one seed resting on Munster fluffing their lines at home to Ulster in a fortnight.

The table has turned and it's now Graham Rowntree's men, the defending champions, one sometimes has to remind oneself, who hold the trump card after their 29-26 success over Edinburgh and results-depending could host Leinster in a knock-out game.

That brings into play the possibility that Munster could look to host the match at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where they have played Crusaders as recently as February and a South Africa XV in 2022.

If there's no change in the league table after round 18, then Munster would host Benetton in the quarter-finals and Leinster would welcome Ulster looking for a first win in three meetings this season.

Thereafter, positive results would set the rivals on a collision course for a knock-out clash.

While the tournament organisers are in contact with all 11 clubs still in the running for play-off places around possible venues for post-regular-season games, it is understood that Munster have not broached the possibility as of Monday afternoon.

However, there's is nothing in the URC’s rulebook that would rule out the ground as a home venue should Munster consider a switch to Cork.

Munster, who could still finish fourth in the standings depending on results in