The Ruck of the Irish

There is no tougher, grittier or bruising rugby match in Europe than when fierce Irish rivals, Munster play Leinster. This is especially so when the game is the first being played at their new Hall of Heroes, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. As you might expect, the match between the two heavyweights was a very tight one throughout most of the game. It was basically a straight shootout between the place-kickers, until captain Brian O'Driscoll shunted Leinster ahead with a try in the 70th minute.

In typically Gaelic color the Irish Times described the game was "hardly a classic, though wincingly compelling viewing, a demolition derby bristled with naked intent." But almost nothing is more mesmerizing than a good old-fashioned slug fest, featuring old enemies in a local derby. With the win, Leinster moves to safety in the table and Munster, who had been undefeated until the weekend, retain first place, with a much reduced advantage. Nothing less than you expect in the Republic.