In what promises to be a fiery showdown at the Aviva Stadium, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen anticipates an intense battle when his team faces Munster in the BKT United Rugby Championship inter-pro on Saturday. 

This highly anticipated encounter marks the first meeting of the season between these two rugby powerhouses and is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd of 48,000 spectators. 

Cullen, well aware of the historical significance of this fixture, emphasized its unique place in the rugby calendar. Despite the unusual scheduling due to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he expressed confidence that the clash would maintain its intensity. 

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Cullen remarked, "This game takes on a life of its own. There's two sets of players who'll fight tooth and nail for their respective teams, and that's what people want to see, ultimately. Hopefully, it'll be a great spectacle." 

The magnitude of the event is evident in the ticket sales, with close to a full house expected by kickoff. 

Cullen acknowledged the enthusiasm surrounding the match and the significance it holds in the hearts of rugby fans. 

"It's close to sold out already, which is fantastic again; it's a great endorsement for the fixture," he said. 

Leinster enters the contest as the favorite, having named its strongest available XV. 

Here's your final reminder of the team for this evening's game!

Robbie Henshaw and Jack Conan are in for their first #LeinsterRugby appearances of the season.#LEIvMUN #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/n9TWStccgM

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 25, 2023

Seeking redemption for last season's semifinal loss to Munster, Cullen emphasized the ongoing process of regrouping after the World Cup and experimenting with different player combinations. 

"We've a nice competitive group at the moment, which is what you want, so we're just excited to get out and see the group play," he said.

Despite the absence of key players, such as Peter O'Mahony and Jack O'Donoghue due to injury, Munster is not to be underestimated. 

Cullen acknowledged his awareness of their opponents' injury challenges but emphasized that Munster, as defending champion, always brings a competitive edge. 

"Regardless of who's selected, we've seen it over the years, whoever is selected will be very competitive and in the contest right to the very end," he commented. 

Munster, dealing with a busy injury list, introduces Jean Kleyn and Simon Zebo for their first games of the season. Notably, the towering 6-foot-8 lock Tom Ahern makes a unique shift to the back row, taking on the blindside flanker role. 

Cullen, while acknowledging Munster's injuries, emphasized the need for his team to remain focused and clinical, recognizing the formidable challenge posed by the reigning champions. 

"We just have to make sure we stay focused the whole time," Cullen said. "It's a game of making sure you take your chances when they come along, being nice and clinical. We know Munster; they'll scrap to the last inch of their goal line."

As both teams prepare to showcase their skills and determination on the field, rugby enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter between these two fierce rivals. 

The Munster team is in ?

6⃣ changes as Diarmuid Barron captains the side with Zebo, Rory Scannell, Archie, JK & Tom Ahern all starting.

Archie becomes our most-capped player of all-time on his 269th Munster appearance.

Click the pic for full details.#LEIvMUN #SUAF ?

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 24, 2023

The Leinster vs. Munster clash is not just a game; it's a spectacle that transcends tradition and expectations, delivering a rugby experience that captivates fans and defines the essence of the sport.

Rugby fans in North America and US territories can watch the titanic clash at the Aviva Stadium live and exclusively on FloRugby via the FloSports App.