Conor Murray has cautioned his Munster team-mates not to let last week's seven-try win over Zebre lull them into a false sense of security ahead of Saturday's Pro12 derby against Leinster.
Simon Zebo became the province's record try-scorer as they hammered the Italians 47-0 at Thomond Park but Murray, who scored a try off the bench in that cakewalk, is expecting a much tougher test at Aviva Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm, live blog on RTE.ie/live on Radio 1).
"We ran in seven tries last week and it would be easy to fall in love with yourself but a different challenge awaits us this week, they're a much much tougher outfit," he told RTÉ Sport. "We've got to be careful.
"It was a good performance by us but Leinster had a much tougher challenge in (defeat to Connacht at) The Sportsground and that'll probably stand to them a little bit better.
"They're up towards the top of the table and deserve to be there. They're top of the charts defensive-wise as well.
"We've got to make sure we're mentally and physically ready for what Leinster will pose. It's something that you always look forward to playing in, so it's a huge week."
"It's a great week to come back fully into things. A derby against Leinster always whets the appetite so we're all in good spirits."
The scrum-half will be taking on a number of his Ireland colleagues shortly after a long Six Nations camp but he insists there's no room for friendship in a derby.
"You leave it to the side, go hard at it for 80-plus minutes and hopefully be friends again after"
"We were together for two months. We always grow as a group together and get on really well," he said.
"I'm sure we'll have a chat afterwards but it means so much to both provinces and both sets of supporters that you can't be too friendly on the pitch.
"You leave it to the side, go hard at it for 80-plus minutes and hopefully be friends again after."
"We're all competitive individuals and as two proud provinces we're both going to want to win.
"For me it's exciting, it's nice to play against your international team-mates. It's something you look forward to and it's a battle you don't want to lose."
With four games remaining in the Pro12, Leinster are second on 59 points, four behind leaders Connacht, while Munster, on 52, are hanging on to that fourth and final play-off spot.
Defeat this weekend could see them replaced by Ulster, Glasgow or Edinburgh, however, and Murray is well aware of the stakes in what looks like being one of the tightest finishes in the league's history.
"For the fans, it's an exciting way to finish the league campaign," he said.
"This weekend will have huge implications for Leinster. Scarlets (third place) are quite close to them and they have Cardiff at home. You would imagine they're going to win there so Leinster are going to be gunning for a win.
"We're obviously threatened with the top four and we want to be in that semi-final place come the end of the season.
"Both teams having a huge amount to play for makes for a great game.
