There is scarcely time to think around this time of year for elite sportsmen. There is little scope to discuss with family the highlights of the year, before professional commitments begin to bite. Munster may be feeling this constriction more than most.

They head into th Inter-Pro game with Leinster with their season hanging in the balance, in indifferent form and facing a Blues side that is in full-flow.

The Irish Independent’s Ruaidhri O’Connor joined Friday Night Rugby with Eir Sport, and believes that the next few games will define the season’s – not just seasonal – success.

“All season, we have been asking where Munster are at and we haven’t really got any answers. Then in the last couple of weeks, the negatives have started to come to the fore.

“You don’t want to panic, because they are still top of their pool and second in their conference, albeit that they have lost a little ground to Glasgow.

“The next four games are basically going to define their season. Leinster at home – locked and loaded, coming down with Johnny Sexton – if [Munster] get that win, you put a charge of electricity through the whole organisation.

“You march to Connacht next week, in fine form […] and that is a difficult game. Then the Gloucester away game on the Friday night will define their European season.

“They have put themselves in a position where they are in must-win territory, certainly in Europe, and these Pro 14 games would be very hand to win.”

Leinster will be sending a full-strength team to Thomond Park tomorrow to face Munster, with the Eastern province being in bullish form.

Rory believes the win would be ‘ideal’ for Munster, and set them on course on a season that has yet to be defined.

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