The respective team selections at last year's interprovincial derbies sparked some controversy. Given that international players are coming off three November internationals and a Champions Cup double-header in the space of six weeks, it makes sense to give some players a break, and such a preponderance on player welfare distinguishes the Irish system from the monied regimes in England and France.
That said, given the exposure and interest in the interprovincial derbies at Christmas time - Munster/Leinster at Thomond Tuesday afternoon is a sellout, for example - there has been a line of argument followed in the past couple of years that all of the first-choice players should start, bar injury and suspension.
In this game last year, for example, Leinster were without Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Kearney, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton, Sean Cronin, and Devin Toner. Munster, in contrast, were more or less at full strength.
Leinster have not listened to such criticism, however, and have elected to once again rest a number of their internationals for Tuesday's game.
Johnny Sexton is recovering from his head injury sustained against Exeter, while Cian Healy is suspended, but otherwise Sean O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Isa Nacewa, Rob Kearney, Sean Cronin, Fergus McFadden, and Scott Fardy are all uninvolved. Tadhg Furlong is on the bench.
Jack McGrath captains a side featuring Barry Daly returning from injury. The team in full is below:
LINE UP: Your 23-man #LeinsterRugby squad to face Munster on St Stephen's Day! #MUNvLEI pic.twitter.com/i9T8RocCY0
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 23, 2017
Munster, meanwhile, are more or less at full strength, with former Irish international Simon Zebo named on the bench.
ICYMI | Team named for #MUNvLEI on Stephen's Day with Rhys, Tommy, Keith and Andrew all returning.
Captain @peterom6 next to join the #100Club #ThisIsChristmas #SUAF pic.twitter.com/liykxj7l0S
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 23, 2017
