MAUL TO PLAY FOR

LEINSTER are still smarting from October's shock defeat to Munster at Croke Park, meaning they will be ravenous for revenge when they head to Thomond Park tonight.

- JOHN O'DOWD - ODDS & ENDS

This URC Christmas Cracker at the Limerick venue promises to be a special occasion, with Leo Cullen's men on a mission to show their true colours against their great rivals.

Usually, in this type of situation, with a generally much stronger squad, and with razor-sharp focus, the easiest thing in the world would be to expect an away victory.

However, when you delve into the team selections a little bit further, it actually hits you in the face that Munster have a real opportunity to inflict another wound on Leinster.