Simon Zebo delivers his verdict on Leinster v Munster Croke Park URC showdown
Former Munster and Ireland star Simon Zebo misses the heat of the action when it comes to an interpro of this level but will be close to the action as part of Premier Sports' team
Simon Zebo is backing Munster to take the spoils and Leinster's scalp at Croke Park on Saturday evening
The ex-Munster and Ireland winger relished the interpros and especially coming up against Leinster - and he is backing the Reds to clinch a narrow victory in the dying moments in front of a sell-out Croker crowd.
“My prediction is a win for Munster," said Zebo. "I think they get the job done and they surprise a lot of people with their performance. Obviously, they didn’t start the season as sharply as they would have liked and everyone will write them off.
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"Craig Casey to be man of the match. Munster to win by two points with a last minute penalty knocked over by Jack Crowley! You just realise what’s on the line and how much history there is between the two clubs. These games have been as intense and physical as international games that I’ve played.
“Leinster have been on fire this season so far. They’ve had a fantastic start, they look really sharp - some of their set plays have been on fire.
“They look like the well-oiled machine they generally are. It’s always going to be a tough time playing an away fixture against Leinster but Munster have the players to do it.
"It’s going to be tough to stop the Leinster train – especially this early in the season when they’ve been on tip-top form from the get-go.
“The record number of fans coming out to see this game just speaks of the magnitude of the fixture. Playing in Croke Park as well, which has its own rich history of Munster v Leinster games - it’s going to be absolutely incredible.”
Zebo only finished up with the Reds at the end of last season, bringing to an end his second stint with his province and after scoring 72 tries in 173 appearances.
He will be part of the Premier Sports team covering the match live on TV. “It’s weird being on the other side of the mic now," said the 34-year-old.
"It feels it wasn’t that long ago I was shaking these boys’ hands coming off the pitch and now I’m watching interviewers more than the players and putting myself in their shoes and how they listen, thinking of decent questions and letting the conversations flow.
"It’s a new world but an exciting one and it will be fun learning the tricks of the trade. I still want to be involved - this way it’s at a distance and not in the front line being a coach and totally stressed out!".
Leinster v Munster Premier Sports 1 from 5.30pm on Saturday
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