Wherever Leinster v Munster occupies in the hierarchy of big games these days, it’s still, by virtue of the number of internationals involved, a big game.
The argument about it being still as relevant, or meaning just as much to the players and management has been lost, notwithstanding the healthy attendance that is expected later today.
Johnny Sexton is rested – had he played and then been selected, as expected, in both upcoming European games it would have meant six weeks in a row for the Ireland out-half.
That’s one of the reasons he left France.
The big boost for the Blues is a first start this season for Sean O’Brien (number 8).
It will be very interesting to see how he dovetails with Dan Leavy, the flanker who made O’Brien’s absence for most of last season more bearable for club and country.
"Sean went well during the game last week," said Leo Cullen.
"He’s such a strong voice, a strong, physical presence and it’s good to have him back."
Munster, whose away performances to date have been poor by anyone’s standards, have made three changes to their team, with the retention of Peter O’Mahony and CJ Stander in the back row a real boost to their hopes.
"[It’s] the toughest test we're going to get, the best team in Europe," Stander said during the week.
Johann van Graan’s men have more ground to make up than the hosts before next week’s away game at Exeter so using the coach’s options in terms of resting key players were limited.
The absence of Sexton also provides a good opportunity for Joey Carbery to remind Ross Byrne where he lies in the Ireland pecking order.
Picked on the Pro14 team of the year last season, Byrne is on the verge of full Ireland honours. It’s a good time for Carbery to go head to head with another young pretender.
The other derby.
Ulster are ahead of where they probably through they might be at this stage of the season – won three, drew one, lost one. Last weekend’s hammering in Munster did neither side any favours.
While it was a game Ulster didn’t necessarily have to win, the outcome - no matter how many players were out injured - the shipping of a record 64 points was unacceptable.
Ireland captain Rory Best and Six Nations top try scorer Jacob Stockdale will see action for the first time this season, while Marcell Coetzee has recovered from a shoulder injury.
"[Rory Best] has been back on the training paddock this week along with Jacob, causing trouble and adding intensity to our training," said Dan McFarland ahead of the game (Live blog on RTÉ.ie and live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra)
Connacht’s task of ending a 58-year-winless streak here is boosted by the return of captain Jarrad Butler, while the exciting Paul Boyle and wing Matt Healy are also back.
"We’ve fine-tuned things from last weekend so we are ready to go," said Connacht boss Andy Friend as they bid to recover from the home defeat to Leinster.
Connacht’s record on the road contains just one win since April 2017, a narrow win over Treviso last February.
Follow Leinster v Munster with our live match tracker on RTÉ.ie/sport or listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport.
