Clayton McMillan blown away by first ever Leinster-Munster derby game

A Croke Park crowd of 51,859 saw Munster Rugby deliver a statement performance as they claimed a 31-14 bonus point victory over champions Leinster Rugby to maintain their flying start to the campaign.

They outscored their arch rivals by four tries to two and backed that up with an immense defensive display to make it four wins from four in the URC this season.

It was the first time at Croke Park for their new coach Clayton McMillan, and he was hugely impressed by the occasion at the famous Dublin ground.

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Witness guitar virtuoso Sophie Lloyd set the stage alight at the Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals with an electrifying medley of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It”.
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Sophie Lloyd’s Medley Rocks Twickenham | WRWC 2025 Final | RPTV

Witness guitar virtuoso Sophie Lloyd set the stage alight at the Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals with an electrifying medley of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It”.
Filmed live at one of sport’s biggest nights, this special showcase captures the spirit of rugby and rock in perfect harmony.

CATCH UP NOW

“It was a hell of an experience turning up here,” said the former Chiefs boss.

“We are well aware of the incredible legacy. It’s a privilege to play here and we really wanted to do it justice.

“I asked our lads to fight for everything and they did that in spades.

“It needed to be relentless and that’s the thing I was really pleased about. We just worked hard all day.

“That’s almost the uncoachable stuff, to keep getting up and working hard for your mate. I couldn’t be prouder of the lads for their effort.

“We have been challenged and criticised around our lack of physicality, and perhaps we answered a few questions today.”

The Player of the Match award went to Munster’s Irish international fly-half Jack Crowley, who pulled the strings expertly and landed four shots at goal.

Giving his reaction, Crowley said:

“It’s not about individual performances. It’s about the plan the coaches gave us, it’s about the hard work that went in with the lads all week.

“It’s about how well you can come together as a collective and say you are going to deliver on a plan and then actually go out and do it. For me, that’s the pleasing thing.

“I’m massively proud to be able to front up with these lads and get over the line.”

Second-placed Munster are one of three teams who remain unbeaten after the opening four rounds, along with the DHL Stormers and Ulster Rugby, with all three having won on the road this weekend.