Stuart Lancaster: Nothing compares to interprovincial derbies

Stuart Lancaster can look forward to big away days against the likes of Toulouse and Toulon next season but the Leinster coach says nothing compares to interprovincial derbies.

Having already won away to Ulster and Connacht, Leinster play their third interpro of the season on Saturday when they face Munster at the Aviva Stadium, live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.

"I'll miss them massively," said Lancaster, who joins Racing 92 at the end of the season.

"The Top 14 is different, you’ve got 14 teams going at it and some big away games – Toulouse, Toulon. Nothing quite compares to the interprovincial derbies in my opinion.

"You get a little bit of that in England sometimes when you’ve Bath v Bristol, teams in the south-west playing each, teams in London playing each other.

"But it’s pretty unique in Ireland. I will miss them and will enjoy them while I’m here, for sure."

Leinster sit top of the BKT United Rugby Championship with five wins from five but Lancaster is wary of a Munster side that claimed a morale-boosting win over the Vodacom Bulls last weekend.

"They'll be pleased with their performance, they beat a team that beat in the semi-finals last year," said Lancaster.

"Denis Leamy was here, I know him well and worked with him particularly in the contact area and defence. I can see the influence he’s had. Mike Prendergast has done a great job on the attack, you can see the improvements there.

"I know Graham [Rowntree] very well. His energy, competitiveness and desire to build a winning team will make sure they’re more than prepared.

"There’s a lot of knowledge about Leinster in the Munster camp. That’s what makes them tricky opponents. The rivalry between the provinces means form goes out the window. It’s a proper derby."

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