Leinster vs Munster predictions and United Rugby Championship tips: Classy Dubliners can edge Croke Park clash

Where to watch Leinster vs Munster

Premier Sports 1 (UK) and RTE 2 (Ireland), 5.45pm Saturday

Best bet

Leinster to win by eight to 14 points
1pt 3-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Leinster vs Munster predictions

A record crowd for the United Rugby Championship will be in attendance at a sold-out Croke Park on Saturday evening when Leinster host Munster.

Never one to undersell things in his dealings with the media, Leinster wing James Lowe has spoken of a "mutual hatred" between the teams.

Lowe qualified his comments by saying that he is friends with Munster's Ireland contingent but added that any affection goes out the window when these rivals meet.

Leinster have won all three of their URC outings this season and are boosted by James Ryan's return alongside RG Snyman, who joined from Saturday's opponents in the summer, in the second row.

Ciaran Frawley also gets another run at number ten and will go up against Ireland rival Jack Crowley. 

Crowley will have centre Alex Nankivell outside him after the Kiwi's recovery from a shoulder issue, while number eight Gavin Coombes also returns.

Coombes and his fellow forwards could go after the Leinster pack, with their notable point of weakness at hooker, where Lee Barron starts in the injury absences of Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher.

Leinster won 25-6 when these two played at Croke Park in 2009 and also have recent winning experience on this ground, beating Northampton 20-17 in the semi-finals of last season's Champions Cup.

Lowe scored a hat-trick of tries in that match but like against the Saints, nerves could hamper his side and Munster will look to grind down the Dubliners.

Still, hooking issues aside, and perhaps at out-half, Leinster look to have a general edge around the park and Leo Cullen's men can grab another victory.

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