Munster have well and truly recovered from their early-season blip after a six-game winning streak in all tournaments, while Ulster themselves have only lost in the PRO12 once - to Zebre in Round 4.
And if their last encounter at Thomond Park is anything to go by - a 19-17 victory for the Ulstermen in the final game of last year's regular season - this match will be similarly nip-and-tuck.
As for reigning champions Leinster, they will welcome an Ospreys side that are licking their wounds after losing their PRO12 unbeaten record to Ulster last week.
Steve Tandy's men could not have asked for a tougher game in which to bounce back - Leinster's recent win record at the RDS stands at 17 games and counting in all competitions.
With Dan Biggar still on Wales duty, Ospreys are not able to rely on his eagle eye, having slotted a league-leading 26 of 28 attempted kicks this season.
And Munster's own fly-half, Ian Keatley, needs just one more point to bring up his 1,000th in the PRO12.
Ireland are not the only nation revelling in a successful autumn as Scotland's troops return home to the PRO12 with two victories and knowing they took the All Blacks down to the wire.
They will provide much-needed reinforcement for Gregor Townsend's Glasgow Warriors, who saw an 18-strong contingent join up with Scotland, ahead of Sunday's meeting with Newport Gwent Dragons.
The Warriors have already beaten the Dragons at Rodney Parade this year, while the Welsh region are searching for their second PRO12 win of the season.
Elsewhere Cardiff Blues will be hoping for more joy against Italian opposition in Benetton Treviso, after recording their last PRO12 win against Zebre in Round 1, and Scarlets are looking for their sixth win on the spin over Connacht.
And an injury-hit but improving Edinburgh travel to Zebre, but Alan Solomons' men are in danger of falling to their third straight defeat against Italian opponents.
As far as the try-scoring charts go the race is wide open heading into Round 9, with first-placed Rhys Webb (5) still absent with Wales.
Ospreys teammate Jeff Hassler (4) will unfortunately lose ground after picking up an injury with Canada, though the returning Simon Zebo (4) is knocking on the door.
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And if their last encounter at Thomond Park is anything to go by - a 19-17 victory for the Ulstermen in the final game of last year's regular season - this match will be similarly nip-and-tuck.
As for reigning champions Leinster, they will welcome an Ospreys side that are licking their wounds after losing their PRO12 unbeaten record to Ulster last week.
Steve Tandy's men could not have asked for a tougher game in which to bounce back - Leinster's recent win record at the RDS stands at 17 games and counting in all competitions.
With Dan Biggar still on Wales duty, Ospreys are not able to rely on his eagle eye, having slotted a league-leading 26 of 28 attempted kicks this season.
And Munster's own fly-half, Ian Keatley, needs just one more point to bring up his 1,000th in the PRO12.
Ireland are not the only nation revelling in a successful autumn as Scotland's troops return home to the PRO12 with two victories and knowing they took the All Blacks down to the wire.
They will provide much-needed reinforcement for Gregor Townsend's Glasgow Warriors, who saw an 18-strong contingent join up with Scotland, ahead of Sunday's meeting with Newport Gwent Dragons.
The Warriors have already beaten the Dragons at Rodney Parade this year, while the Welsh region are searching for their second PRO12 win of the season.
Elsewhere Cardiff Blues will be hoping for more joy against Italian opposition in Benetton Treviso, after recording their last PRO12 win against Zebre in Round 1, and Scarlets are looking for their sixth win on the spin over Connacht.
And an injury-hit but improving Edinburgh travel to Zebre, but Alan Solomons' men are in danger of falling to their third straight defeat against Italian opponents.
As far as the try-scoring charts go the race is wide open heading into Round 9, with first-placed Rhys Webb (5) still absent with Wales.
Ospreys teammate Jeff Hassler (4) will unfortunately lose ground after picking up an injury with Canada, though the returning Simon Zebo (4) is knocking on the door.
Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12
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