United Rugby Championship: Leinster v Ulster
Date: Saturday 19 April Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Kick-off: 19:35 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Foyle and the BBC Sport website and app from 19:30; also live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber says he is expecting a bit of “spice” in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship game with Ulster at the Aviva Stadium.
The URC leaders head into the match in top form after defeating Glasgow Warriors 52-0 in the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday.
After a difficult start to the season, Ulster have now won their last three URC matches in a row and have jumped up to sixth place in the table.
“I expect it to be a very hard and physical battle,” said Nienaber, who was speaking before the Blues announced New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane would join Leinster next season.
“It’s an interprovincial and there is a lot of pride and a lot at stake for the players.
“The two teams know each other and their strengths and weaknesses quite well so I expect it to be tight.”
Leinster are set to be without injured Ireland trio James Ryan, Jack Conan and Ryan Baird for the game.
Leo Cullen’s side have lost once in 20 matches this season in the URC and in Europe.
Their form has been so strong, the aggregate score of their last three European matches is a remarkable 142-0.
When asked if the games weren’t competitive enough for Leinster, Nienaber said “it’s a tough one to answer”.
“The reality is when the opponent is in front of us, we can’t change it, it is what it is,” said the World Cup winning coach.
“For me making a comment that we aren’t getting tested, what is that going to help? It is what it is and that is our mindset. We deal with it as best we can.
“Glasgow and Harlequins were tough, and we gave them a lot of respect as we will give to Ulster because they are quality sides and if you get it wrong they can put you away.”