The weather forecast could swing Saturday's Guinness Pro12 inter-provincial derby between Connacht and Munster (7.15pm) in favour of Pat Lam’s side, according to Donal Lenihan.
The Sportsground will be a sell-out as second placed Connacht host a Munster side desperately seeking to improve on their sixth position with just three matches remaining before the play-offs.
Both sides come into the contest on the back of defeats, Connacht an agonising one-point loss to Grenoble in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, while Munster’s bid for a semi-final were dented following the 16-13 defeat at the hands of Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Indeed Connacht also lost their last Pro12 game, against Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium, but the RTÉ analyst believes focussing on one competition will be a benefit to the westerners.
“Connacht have lost the last two games, but both of them have been away,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“In some way I think having lost that game I think will help focus Connacht’s mind more now because it’s the Pro12 or nothing.
“If they can beat Munster then they are looking at a home semi-final which would be a phenomenal achievement, but Munster’s need is probably greater
“I still look back on the game against Leinster at the Aviva and don’t know why they didn’t take the penalty to get a draw because every point is going to be crucial.”
Lam’s side are aiming for a first-ever league double over their neighbours and won the corresponding fixture last season after over-coming a 13-point deficit and Lenihan believes the expected weather conditions will suit Connacht’s free-flowing rugby which has yielded 51 tries in an outstanding campaign.
“Connnacht at home they have an edge this year, they have only lost their once,” he added.
“They are playing unbelievable rugby and the weather forecast for the weekend is very good so I think that flips it marginally in favour of Connacht.
“Munster, as a minimum, need to get a losing bonus point, but it’s going to be very tight.”
Listen to live coverage of Connacht v Munster will be RTÉ Radio One at 7pm with Michael Corcoran and Donal Lenihan.
