Ulster v Munster – Preview

Munster are back in Guinness PRO14 action on New Year’s Day as the squad visit Ulster’s Kingspan Stadium for another Interpro derby (5.35pm).

A record Thomond Park PRO14 attendance of 26,267 attended Munster’s St Stephen’s Day defeat to Leinster and a bumper Belfast crowd is set to attend Monday’s clash.

Munster have won their last four fixtures against Ulster since the two provinces played out a 23-all draw in Belfast in May 2015 whilst Ulster’s most recent victory over Munster was a 19-17 win in Limerick in May 2014.

A victory would help Munster keep in sight of Conference A leaders Glasgow Warriors and ensure that the Toyota Cheetahs don’t usurp them in second place after January’s back-to-back South African derbies.

Hosts Ulster will undoubtedly be fired up in front of their home crowd after their loss to Connacht last time out and have lost just once in Belfast in the Guinness PRO14 since Munster last won there in October 2016: 25-10 to Leinster in round 7 this season.

Munster’s five-game winning run in all tournaments was ended by Leinster at Thomond Park on St Stephen’s Day and the Munster team will be announced at noon today.

Hear the thoughts of Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan ahead of the clash below.

As preparations continue for #ULSvMUN we hear from Head Coach Johann van Graan as he looks ahead to the New Year’s Day encounter in Belfast.

Team named later this morning. pic.twitter.com/KYuXxkEsjU

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 30, 2017

Next two home games

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Guinness PRO14: Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Tickets available online, in our Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park ticket offices (Mon-Fri, 10am – 5pm), or by calling call 061 421103.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Champions Cup: Munster v Castres Olympique, Thomond Park, 1pm; Tickets available online, in our Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park ticket offices (Mon-Fri, 10am – 5pm), or by calling call 061 421103.