Munster and Leinster both comfortably won their first games of the season with emphatic victories in the opening Interprovincial round. In Limerick, Munster were inspired by a pre-match speech from Paul O Connell as they cruised to a 40-0 victory. The Munster lock spoke of the pride in pulling on the red jersey and said that no matter where he was playing in the world it was always special to come home and play for the province.

It took the home thirty minutes to get on the score-sheet when left wing Sharyn Sample touched down under the posts, but once they got up and running there was no stopping them as they continued to pile on the points.

Others to get in on the scoring act were Sarahjane Belton, Jeannette Feighry and Stacey Kuckarchuk. Leinster were also convincing winners in their clash with Connacht, running out 47-3 winners. Lynne Cantwell marked her move to Leinster from Munster with three tries in her first appearance. Captain Caroline Mahon also scored tries along with Grace Davitt, Orla Brennan, Tania Rosser and Germaine Healy.

Munster and Leinster s clash in Musgrave Park next Saturday already looks like the game that will tell where this year s title is headed as the two sides prepare to clash at the Cork venue for the first time.

Results: Munster 40 Ulster 0, Leinster 47 Connacht 3