There’s nothing quite like an Inter-Pro and there’s a post-Christmas treat as all four Irish provinces square off in Round 9. The two Conferences’ pace-setters go head to head in a titanic tussle at Thomond Park, while Ulster and Connacht aim to close the gap in Belfast. Munster v Leinster is always an enthralling encounter as two of European rugby’s most super of heavyweights collide but with all four Irish teams impressing this term, there are plenty of narratives to keep an eye on. Ulster v Connacht | Kingspan Stadium, Belfast | KO 19:35, Friday 27 December How to watch: | Live on eir Sport 1, Premier Sports 2, SuperSport 1, DAZN, pro14.tv The first Inter-Pros of the festive season did not go exactly to plan for Ulster and Connacht, beaten by Leinster and Munster respectively. The former shipped a half-century away to Leinster in a 14-try thriller, although they did get a four-try bonus point. Connacht, meanwhile, had to settle for a losing bonus point from their home defeat to Munster. Now, they both look to right the ship in Belfast on Friday evening. Ulster’s home record against Connacht was exceptional, having not lost to the side from Galway since 1960 prior to last year’s historic 22-15 defeat. While they got their revenge in the Final Series meeting at the Kingspan, Ulster will be keen to ensure Connacht do not pull off with another regular season success in Belfast. Munster v Leinster | Thomond Park, Limerick | KO 18:00, Saturday 28 December How to watch: Live on Premier Sports 1, Eir Sport 1, DAZN, pro14.tv With Christmas done and dusted for another year, what better way to retain the festive cheer than indulging in what promises to be an almighty clash between this season’s Guinness PRO14 pace-setters at Thomond Park. Conference B leaders Munster will be vying to avenge last season’s semi-final defeat to eventual champions Leinster, and truly cement their intentions to claim the title for the first time in nine years. Johann van Graan’s men have six wins from eight league games so far in 2019⁄20 and have a four-point advantage over second-place Connacht, who they narrowly got the better of in their last outing. Their form has been somewhat inconsistent recently however – with just two wins from their last five games in all competitions – but their defeat to Leinster in May is the only time in the last six that a fellow Irish province has got the better of them. Leo Cullen’s double-defending champions are about as tough a test as Munster could face, with the Dublin-based side yet to taste defeat in any competition this term, and proving to be the standout side at home and in Europe. Leinster have been ruthless in attack, scoring an average of 49 points across their last three matches, including a 50-21 humbling of the then-Premiership leaders Northampton Saints in the European Champions Cup. With only one defeat in their last six against Munster, and only one in their last six against Irish provinces, they will be confident of victory at Thomond Park, which would keep them firmly on track for a third successive domestic crown.
