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'It's about legacy, it's about the Munster jersey'

Munster are looking to retain their Intepro title
Munster are looking to retain their Intepro title

Munster assistant coach Fiona Hayes says retaining their Interprovincial Series title would show there is more to women's rugby in Ireland outside of Dublin.

The defending champions are firm favourites to secure back to back titles when they take on Connacht at the Sportsground (1pm), bringing a five-point lead into the final round of games.

A win, a draw or even a losing bonus point against Connacht will see them crowned champions again. The western province could pip them, but would need a bonus point win of their own by at least 33 points. Likewise, should Munster lose by more than seven, Leinster would also come back into the picture, but would need a bonus point win of their own against Ulster in Belfast.

For Hayes, the Interpro series represents an opportunity for Munster to restore some pride.

While they are the defending champions, and historically the most successful province in the women's game, the last few years have seen a changing of the guard at club level, with the big Dublin clubs like Railway Union, Blackrock and Old Belvedere overtaking UL Bohemians, who once dominated the AIL.

And with the current Munster squad heavily populated with Bohs players, Hayes says retaining their title is a matter of pride.

"The big thing, we have girls playing up in Dublin, but the big thing is that Bohs as a team would be predominantly Munster players, and in the last couple of years we've seen a lot of the Dublin teams dominate, so it's very good for Munster to be able to go out and win an Interpros, and if you can win two-in-a-row, you're showing there's serious talent here in the province," she said.

"It's about legacy, it's about the Munster jersey, you're dealing with each year separately, you've new players coming in and out, but the exciting thing with this group is that they're young enough to start their own legacy.

"When you win one, when you win two, then you start looking at the thee-in-a-row so it's about them coming together."

Munster saw off Leinster 26-17 at Musgrave Park last Saturday

Ten of Munster's starting XV this afternoon come from Bohs, and with head coach Niamh Briggs also from the club, it offers Munster an extra layer of cohesion that other provinces may not be able to tap into.

One of those is Clare Bennett, who partners Clodagh O'Halloran in the second row this afternoon.

And while the Tipperary native says they've been able to tap into the familiarity between each other, they'll be wary of a Connacht side who also have an intimate knowledge of their gameplan.

"We've been lucky enough as well to know the structure that Briggs has, and she brings to the table as a coach, she's really organised with the session plan, and we're used to that structure and setup," she said.

"In fairness, everyone has gelled quite well, I've made a few new friends this season, and different girls from around the place.

"You might say there's an advantage to playing with each other, but there's girls from Bohs that will be playing for Connacht this weekend as well, so it's both sides of the coin, they'll know us inside out, and it won't be easy coming up against them."

And Bennett, who missed last year's title success due to injury, says there will be no complacency in Galway this afternoon, despite their five-point lead at the top of the table.

"There's no underestimating Connacht, their physicality is something we've been talking about during the week.

"There's a few girls there that we play with in the club that have started, I know Clara Barrett got her first start for Connacht against Leinster and scored two tries, she's a phenomenal player.

"I know even last year, it was 7-7 until the 56th minute, so it's by means going to be an easy feat. I know we pulled away in the end last week, but we won't underestimate it, and we're looking forward to the challenge for sure."

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