O’Mahony And Coughlan Raring To Go

Munster captain Peter O’Mahony and back-row forward James Coughlan are eagerly anticipating Saturday’s clash with Leinster at the Aviva Stadium (ko 7pm).

“I love playing in the Aviva, it’s a great stadium and a sell-out at the weekend. It’s going to be a savage atmosphere so it’s going to be a big occasion,” said O’Mahony, who returns to the side after a triumphant Six Nations campaign with Ireland.

“I’m firmly in Munster mode now and I’ve really enjoyed getting back. They [the Munster squad] are such a great group of lads as well, they’re a pleasure to work with and welcomed us back.”

Rob Penney’s side secured a narrow 19-15 win over Leinster at Thomond Park in October and O’Mahony is hoping his side can repeat the trick away from home.

“We haven’t beaten Leinster away since 2008 I think which is disappointing but it will be a big occasion. It’s the same every time we play each other, we probably know each other that little bit more than anyone else.”

James Coughlan has once again been one of Munster's most consistent performers this season and the Cork man was full of praise for the PRO12 table-toppers who have now won nine games in a row.

“The international quality that Leinster have is without question and we need to step our game up big time if we’re going to be able to compete on Saturday night.

“I think you always want to judge yourself against the best. To be fair, Leinster have shown that they’re probably the best province in the country for the last number years and that’s something that doesn’t sit well with us.

“I think we’re in a good place and we’re really looking forward to it now,” he added.

Munster moved back up to second place in the PRO12 table, two points behind Leinster, after a scrappy 14-3 win over Treviso last weekend and Coughlan revealed that there has been a change of mood in the camp this week.

“That intensity and focus is there that mightn’t be there all the time," said Coughlan.

"You can’t get yourselves up to that level every week because it’s not possible but when it is there you can feel it and you can appreciate it.

With a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulouse following the trip to Leinster, the next two weeks will prove critical for Munster’s season and Coughlan can’t wait for the games to begin.

“It’s exactly what you want. I’m itching for it, if it was tomorrow it would be great!”