Munster and Leinster will meet in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship final next Saturday after both sides closed the round-robin stage with convincing wins.
Munster beat Connacht 47-12 at Dexcom Stadium to complete the group stage unbeaten, while Leinster secured their place in the final with a 75-5 win over Ulster at Affidea Stadium. The results set up a fourth Munster-Leinster final in as many years.
Munster had already qualified before their final-round meeting with Connacht, but still produced another strong performance. Alana McInerney scored a hat-trick, Alisha Flynn crossed twice, and Caitríona Finn added a try and six conversions.
Connacht made a strong start through Uillin Eilian, who scored on her senior debut after three minutes, but Munster responded quickly and led 21-5 at half-time. Jemima Adams Verling added a second Connacht try after the break, but Munster were already in control.
The win leaves Munster heading into the final with three bonus-point victories from three matches.
Leinster’s route to the final was even more emphatic. Robyn O’Connor scored five tries and Katie Whelan added a hat-trick as Leinster ran in 11 tries against Ulster.
Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton, starting at out-half, kicked 10 conversions for a personal tally of 20 points. Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Ruth Campbell and Nikki Gibson also crossed for Leinster.
Ulster’s try came through Olivia McKinley on her first start.
Leinster needed a bonus-point win to reach the final and had that secured early, with O’Connor scoring a hat-trick inside the opening 21 minutes.
Next Saturday’s final will take place at Dexcom Stadium, with Connacht facing Ulster in the third-place play-off at 2pm before Munster and Leinster meet in the final at 4.30pm. Both games will be shown live on Spórt TG4 YouTube.
Munster beat Leinster 39-19 in the opening round and will now try to retain their title. Leinster, beaten in last year’s final, arrive with momentum after their biggest performance of the campaign.
