Munster will look to repeat last season’s impressive victory over Leinster when the provinces meet at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

Kick-off is at 6 pm, with Munster aiming to claim another major interprovincial scalp against a Leinster side determined to make amends for last year’s defeat at Croke Park.

Waterford’s Jack O’Donoghue starts in the back row, while fellow Waterford man Tom Ahern is unavailable through injury.

The sides renew their rivalry in Dublin, with Munster hoping to disrupt Leinster’s rhythm and show they can compete with one of Irish rugby’s strongest squads.

Munster captain Tadhg Beirne will be central to their efforts, with the province again relying on his physical presence and work at the breakdown. His ability to win turnovers and disrupt Leinster’s possession could prove crucial.

The visitors will also look to the impact of new arrivals Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes. Both have strengthened Munster’s forward options, with their performances in the scrum offering another potential route to putting Leinster under pressure.

Last season, Munster’s kicking game played a major role in their victory. By finding space beyond Leinster’s defensive line and varying their approach, they were able to prevent their opponents from settling into their usual attacking patterns.

Munster will be keen to bring that same tactical discipline to the Aviva, while maintaining the physical intensity that helped them secure the win at Croke Park.

Leinster arrive in stronger early-season form this time around, following an impressive performance against Clermont last weekend. The hosts also welcome back scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, while Joey Carbery makes his first start since returning to the province.

Carbery’s return adds another storyline to the fixture. The out-half left Leinster for Munster in 2018 before spending time in France with Bordeaux, and will now face his former province in Dublin.

Munster also have opportunities for younger players to make an impression, with Brian Gleeson, Seán Edogbo and Gordon Wood among those named on the replacements bench.

While Leinster will start as favourites, Munster have already shown they can trouble their rivals when they execute their game plan effectively.

With pride and provincial bragging rights at stake, Munster will be hoping to deliver another performance to remember in the Irish rugby rivalry.