O'Mahony: Leinster couldn't handle Munster intensity

Ronan O'Mahony believes Leinster couldn't match the intensity produced by Munster in their St. Stephen's Day clash at Thomond Park.

The southern province produced an impressive display to batter their provincial rivals 29-17 to extend their lead at the summit of the Pro12 table.

Try scorer O'Mahony was full of praise for the entire squad and backroom staff and is confident ahead of their trip to take on champions Connacht at the Sportsground on New Years' Eve.

“You’re going to get that [level of intensity] in a local derby - it’s so physical and everyone is so eager, but our strength and conditioning team have done such a great job getting us ready,” he said.

“We’re so fit and subs are coming in and making an impact. You could see that in the second half.

“At half-time we said we’ve got to stick to our game plan, put them under pressure, win that aerial battle and play in the right parts of the field.

“We did that and we put them under huge pressure, kept them pinned in their 22, so there are huge positives looking forward to Connacht next week.

“There are things we can look to tidy up, but our squad is getting stronger and stronger. Francis [Saili] came off the bench and made such an impact, it was great to see him out there."

Saili meanwhile was thrilled to finally make his debut for Munster after a long injury lay-off since signing in the summer.

“What a game to come back for!” he said. “A local derby and 20 minutes under my belt – I’m happy with that, happy to be back out there with the lads.

“My priority was getting my rehab right and getting my shoulder back together. I’m happy to be back, it went really well and we got the result. I was running around and trying to get to the intensity of it so I can feel it in my lungs. Hopefully I’m up for selection the next day.”

Photo-©INPHO/James Crombie

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