WATCH: Munster Rugby coach Clayton McMillan says 'line in the sand has been drawn' after big win over Leinster

MUNSTER Rugby recorded a statement win in the URC when easing past great rivals Leinster 31-14 in their interprovincial derby clash in front of 51,859 fans at Croke Park on Saturday evening.

Leinster's line-up included 11 British and Irish Lions in their matchday squad, while Munster's squad included just two players who have been selected for Ireland's upcoming international series.

It was Munster's sole Lions representative, Tadhg Beirne and out-half Jack Crowley, both named in the Ireland squad for the November Tests, who stole the show after turning in terrific individual performances in the bonus point win.

READ NEXT: Tenacious Munster celebrate famous URC victory over great rivals Leinster at Croke Park

The 'Fields of Athenry' could be heard ringing around GAA HQ as the second half wore on and Munster closed in on a dominant victory.

Afterwards delighted Munster Rugby head coach, Clayon McMillan said: "I thought it was outstanding.

"You can look into the heart and soul of a team, I think, by the way that they're prepared to fight for each other and defend.

"Leinster are a quality side and they put us under a huge amount of pressure, they just keep standing up, and get over a couple of times, but even just the smarts to roll underneath and keep them off the ground. All of those little bits were very pleasing.

"The barometer or the line in the sand has been drawn now, and we have just got to keep fighting to be at that level."