What time and what TV channel is Munster v Leinster on in the URC tonight?
Always one of the big fixtures in the club rugby calendar, Munster v Leinster will attract a crowd of over 27,000 to Limerick with a big TV audience tuning in for the latest chapter of this bitter rivalry between the two provinces
Munster versus Leinster has become one of the most eagerly awaited sporting fixtures of the festive period and, while there are some marquee names who haven't made the matchday squad lists this time, there is still plenty to attract spectators and have plenty tuning in from the comfort of their own homes or local hostelries.
But those hoping for a Jack Crowley versus Sam Prendergast showdown - and the presence of Jordie Barrett and RG Snyman - will be disappointed.
Prendergast is present and correct for his first start at the Limerick ground after sitting out last Saturday's Leinster victory over Connacht, but Crowley has been given the night off under IRFU game management guidelines and after starting Munster's win at Ulster last Friday night, plus the back to back Champions Cup games before that against Castres and Stade Francais.
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But it is a shame that the two hot contenders for Ireland's No.10 jersey for the start of the Six Nations against England on February 1 won't face off on Friday night.
Where is the game on?
The game takes place at Thomond Park in Limerick
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What time is kick-off?
The match kicks off at 7.35pm on Friday.
What TV channel is it on?
Live on TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport Flo Rugby and streamed on URC.tv
Betting Odds
Munster 4/1 to win, Leinster 1/6 to win; draw 22/1
Team News
Munster have made seven changes from their victory at Ulster last Friday night - Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray and Jack O'Donoghue didn't make it back from injury in time, while Craig Casey, Thaakir Abrahams and Jean Kleyn were ruled out for four months this week.
Tadhg Beirne returns to captain the Reds with Rory Scannell, Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan, Dian Bleuler, Oli Jager and Alex Kendellen also coming into the starting XV.
There is a positional switch for Tom Ahern as he moves to the back row, Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly form an unchanged back three with Scannell and Tom Farrell forming the centre partnership, while Coughlan and Burns start together in the half-backs.
Bleuler has completed the return-to-play protocols to make his fourth start at loosehead prop, with Niall Scannell and Oli Jager completing the front row. Fineen Wycherley and Beirne start in the engine room with Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes completing the starting XV.
Diarmuid Barron, Academy prop Kieran Ryan and John Ryan provide the front row back-up with Brian Gleeson and John Hodnett completing the forward cover. Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler and Academy back three player Ben O’Connor are the backline replacements.
Leinster, meanwhile, are looking to continue their winning streak in Limerick that stretches back to 2018 and Leo Cullen has made 11 changes from last week, plus one positional switch.
Caelan Doris skippers the Blues as Jamie Osborne returns to the side for the first time since he was injured for Ireland against Fiji a month ago. The Naas man is selected at full-back.
As expected, All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has been given the night off after an intense period of play since his arrival after the November internationals - the 27-year-old played 200 minutes - two and a half games - in 13 days after making an earlier than planned start with the Blues.
With Barrett absent, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose form their long-standing centre partnership, Tommy O'Brien and Jimmy O'Brien - who switches from full-back - join Osborne in the back three. Luke McGrath and Prendergast form the half-back partnership.
In the pack, Jack Boyle, Rónan Kelleher and Rabah Slimani are the front row, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are the second row picks as Synman has been given the night off while Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier – making his 150th appearance in the blue of Leinster – and Doris complete the line-up.
Tale of the tape
Leinster are looking for their 11th straight win of the season, and their ninth victory in the URC as they continue to top the table. They hold a six point lead over reigning champions Glasgow Warriors in second place.
Munster, with four wins and four losses from their eight URC outings, are in sixth spot. THey have won their last two URC games since losing to the Sharks in Durban in round 6, a defeat that cost Graham Rowntree his post as head coach.
The Reds are looking to maintain a strong record at home that has seen them lose just once in the URC in 2024 - that semi-final defeat to Glasgow in June - while they have lost one of their last five interpros, against Leinster at Croke Park in October.
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