The Inter-Pros continue this weekend as the top two sides in the Guinness PRO14 meet in Limerick, while Connacht will hope to repeat last year’s historic win in Belfast. Leinster, still unbeaten, travel to Thomond Park on Saturday looking to make it 13 in a row in all competitions this season, but face a Munster side unbeaten in their last 21 in Limerick. Ulster, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their loss at Leinster by beating Connacht on Friday evening. Sean Reidy v Paul Boyle Auckland-born Ulster flanker Sean Reidy is spending Christmas with fellow Kiwi recruit Matt Faddes but his attentions have already turned towards Friday’s clash with Connacht. The industrious Reidy should be an important figure in the Ulster back-row as they look to get back to winning ways but his potential battle with Paul Boyle makes for an intriguing head-to-head. Still only 21, Boyle has the slight size advantage, and uses that power to great effect. He has flourished since making the step up to senior rugby, and has filled in admirably when Jarrad Butler and Colby Fainga’a have been absent. Jack O’Donoghue v Max Deegan Two match-winners a week ago and arguably two players fighting for the same Ireland squad spot, Jack O’Donoghue and Max Deegan could have a huge influence on matters at Thomond Park. O’Donoghue missed out on Andy Farrell’s initial Ireland squad last week, but responded with a try off the bench against Connacht. Now 25, he should be entering his prime and will look to get the better of Deegan, two years his junior and seemingly making the leap this year for Leinster. Leo Cullen is overflowing with back-row options, even with Dan Leavy and Jack Conan currently injured, but Deegan is fast making himself indispensable.
