APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION; RUGBY UNION Munster v Leinster.

Byline: EDWARD NEWMAN 

TONY McGAHAN says Munster's Grand Slammers are showing no loss of appetite since returning to camp following their Six Nations triumph.

The Reds are gearing up for the Battle of Ireland against Leinster at Thomond Park tomorrow night where many of Ireland's Six Nations heroes go head-to-head in a top-of-the-table Magners League clash.

Eleven of McGahan's Munster men were in Ireland'successful 22-man squad that overcame Wales in Cardiff last month. But, despite the celebrations, the Reds head coach was thrilled to see his internationals return so focused and determined.

It's a hugely important week for McGahan as his side bid for a Magners League double this season over their greatest rivals, and the European champions look odds-on to achieve that goal in front of a sell-out partisan home crowd.

"There's been no difficulty integrating the (Ireland) players - a lot of them have been doing it for a long time," said McGahan, "so I think each year we get better at doing it. Last week when the players came back in, they were a bit tired and emotionally drained, but they came in this week very fresh and ready to go." McGahan said he enjoyed watching the Six Nations, and was delighted to see his players succeed at the highest level.

"It's an opportunity to watch games without your livelihood on the line I suppose," he quipped.

"From that perspective there is less pressure. "I take great delight in watching them succeed at whatever level, so from that perspective it's quite enjoyable. Not having the pressure knowing your job is there for 80 minutes is one that's welcomed." A win for Munster tomorrow would put them in the driving seat for a first title since 2003 - though McGahan is reluctant to describe the much-awaited derby as a Magners League decider.

"I don't see it as a decider - not at all. From our perspective, it's four points on offer and an opportunity for a Munster-Leinster derby.

Munster destroyed Michael Cheika's men 18-0 at the RDS last September but the Reds coach has been hugely impressed by their form since that early-season drubbing in Dublin.

"They're a well-coached, well-organised side. They have many ways of playing. They have evolved in my time here, certainly over the last 12 months. They have a lot more patience."

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WELSH WONDER O'Driscoll and the Irish team get their hands on the big prize at last HEAVY LOAD O'Gara with title & Triple Crown