Robbie Henshaw praises the Thomond Park factor: 'A packed out game there is like no other'

Leinster and Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw hasn't featured in the Munster-Leinster interpro in Limerick since it took place in January 2021 during Covid and he can't wait to feel the festive effect on the rivalry

By: irishmirror.ie

Dec 27 2024
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Robbie Henshaw praises the Tho

Robbie Henshaw insists Munster v Leinster at Thomond Park is still one of the great club games to be involved in - even if some star power will be missing tonight.

For player management reasons, those in the extended 26, 267 attendance and those watching on at home won't get to see Jack Crowley, Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman in action, while Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony are among those sidelined through injury.

But Leinster centre Henshaw can't wait to feature after last doing so three years ago. "It’s one of the best club games to be involved in, in probably one of the best stadiums at a club level as well in Thomond," said the Ireland international, who earlier this week signed a two-year extension to his IRFU central contract.

"A packed out game there is like no other. I think the emotion the fans bring, the bit of niggle that both teams have for each other, I think full squad or not full squad it’s always a brilliant game.

"I haven’t played in this game for a few years, so I’m really looking forward to it. Our team will be pretty strong in terms of lads who got last week off. We’ll be giving it our all with a strong side."

Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde describes Thomond Park as a "tough place to go," adding: "I believe there will be 27,000 there to watch and adding to the atmosphere so it is always a battle, always a tight game.

"It’s one of those games you want to be involved in as a player and as a coach because you will test yourself. Munster are one of the top teams and they play at home in front of a vociferous crowd and that’s where you find out about yourself, when you look in the mirror and measure yourself, by going to places like Thomond Park.

“Any time you have adversity as a squad it makes you a lot tighter. They showed the character to come through Ulster on the weekend. They definitely have lots of talent, character and desire and that’s going to go a long way to deciding the result.”

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