**The Irish inter-pros are always a highlight of any Guinness PRO14 season.** The passion, in-built history and skill make them must-watch contests as the provinces battle it out for derby-day supremacy and bragging rights. Both Munster and Leinster have a more storied past than most – with six European Cups between them, among other honours – and were due to square off in front of an inevitably raucous Aviva Stadium crowd this weekend. The coronavirus pandemic has put paid to that for the time being, so instead we’re throwing things back to relive one of their classic encounters from recent history. **High stakes** In 2018, the two in-form Irish teams battled for a place in the inaugural Guinness PRO14 Final – with Toyota Cheetahs and Isuzu Southern Kings having joined the Championship the previous summer. There was barely anything to choose between the sides in a captivating RDS Arena semi-final, as Leinster eventually secured their place in the showpiece by the skin of their teeth, to face reigning champions Scarlets. The old Irish rivals battled in a gruelling encounter as an early try set Leinster on their way and although Munster came roaring back to set up a grandstand finish, the boys in blue held on for a 16-15 triumph. Heading into the contest, Leinster had finished top of Conference B, ahead of the Scarlets only on points difference, to secure direct passage into the semi-final. Munster had come second in Conference A before edging past Edinburgh 20-16 at the quarter-final stage to book a date with their neighbouring foes. **Flying out of the blocks** Leinster’s James Lowe had a point to prove after missing out on the team’s Champions Cup final squad the previous week – where the Irish side beat Racing 92 15-12 in Bilbao – and it was no surprise that the wing made his desire known in the opening exchanges. The New Zealander played an integral role in Jack Conan opening the scoring on seven minutes as he surged past Simon Zebo and Andrew Conway, leaving the Munster full-back in his wake and pulling off a sensational one-handed pass to Conan, which allowed the No.8 to dot down.
