'There’s something about the Leinster games' - Nankivell on Leinster

MUNSTER will be back in URC action this weekend when they travel to the capital to face Leinster in what is sure to be a mouth-watering clash on Lansdowne Road.

Munster come into the fourth round clash having lost, won and drawn their opening three fixtures.

The province are fresh off an emphatic 33-25 opening night Champions Cup victory over Racing 92 in Pairc Uí Chaoimh last weekend on what was an emotional occasion.

Last weekend marked the tenth anniversary of Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley’s death.

In a glittering playing career, ‘Axel’ also represented his country 62 times between 1995 and 2005, captaining Ireland on three occasions.

Foley captained Munster to Heineken Cup glory in 2006 and made his last appearance for the province the following season.

Nankivell spoke on getting the win on Leeside and in doing so, paying homage to one of province’s greatest ever players.

“Páirc Uí Chaoimh is obviously different to Thomond with it being more of a GAA ground. The crowd is a bit further away but the Cork fans really get behind us down there. The atmosphere against Racing was class.

“It was a massive game and a massive week for the club for different reasons, I love travelling down there to play, to give a few fans the chance that can’t always make it to Thomond every week.

“It was really special to be able to contribute to what was a really special week. We had Olive (Foley) come and speak to us on the Friday and she’s an amazing woman so it was really cool we could get the win.”

this week, it was announced that Nankivell put pen to a two-year contract extension with Munster, something the New Zealander is ‘over the moon’ with.

“When you’re at the stage where you’re wondering what you’re going to be doing in the future, it’s always nice to get that security locked in and I’m really, really excited to be staying at Munster, I’m over the moon with it.

“I’ve said in the past that international rugby is still the pinnacle for me and the opportunity to represent New Zealand has gone since leaving.

The 29-year-old is also acutely aware that he will be Irish qualified by the time his new contract expires.

“I never thought I’d be here this long and I guess the prospect of becoming Irish qualified is exciting, it gives me an opportunity to get selected for international rugby.

“That’s a long, long way away and I don’t like to think too far ahead of myself but it’s a really exciting prospect.

“First and foremost I’m here at Munster and I want to do well for them and contribute as much as I can both on and off the field. If you do that the rest can take care of itself, hopefully it all goes well.”

The Auckland native states he is ‘really excited’ about the current crop of players and management at the province’s disposal.

“I’m really excited about it. The new coaching group coming in and Clayton coming in. I have huge faith in him having been coached under him in New Zealand, I know what he’s about.

“I’m really optimistic about the growth that we can have going into the future and the growth we’ve already had over this past pre-season. We’ve got an awesome bunch of lads and an awesome province behind us and to me there’s no reason why we can’t grow and continue to challenge.”

Although not from Ireland, Nankivell says it’s clear to see what this fixture means to both provinces, players, fans and coaches alike.

“I’m not from Ireland but seeing what it means to the lads here at Munster and obviously the rivalry has been going on for years.

“Leinster have been going well in the recent past so we’ve probably got a bit of a chip on our shoulder that we want to compete.

“Obviously that rivalry is strong. We’re always excited to face the provinces. Whatever province we face it’s a big game. You want to get the bragging rights and there’s something about the Leinster games.

“Always love going up to Dublin particularly. We always get great support up there,” he concluded.