| European rugby round-up: Munster and
Leinster set to make quarter-finals Leinster’s late revival,
culminating with their bonus-point victory over Glasgow, along with a
similar result for Munster in Castres sealed a near-perfect weekend for
Irish rugby.
After unimpressive opening-round performances from Declan Kidney’s
and Michael Cheika’s teams there is no doubt that both provinces
would have settled for the position they find themselves in at the penultimate
stage to this season’s European qualification.
Although it would have been an even better weekend if Ulster were still
in contention the northern province should nevertheless still be encouraged
by some of their own European performances in this season’s competition.
However one should also not forget that neither Munster or Leinster are
over the winning line yet but at least their destiny is very much in their
own hands.
Whatever the final quarter-final pairings might be the reality is that
both Munster and Leinster’s opponents have already qualified and
victory at Thomond Park and revenge for Leinster at The Rec will take
both Irish sides into the last eight.
In the European Challenge Cup Connacht will also join London Irish in
the knock-out stages if they secure what should be a straightforward victory
in Sicily over Catania.
Munster’s impressive display in France couldn’t have been
more timely especially the return to form of Paul O’Connell as well
as the displays of some their fringe players like Tomas O’Leary,
Barry Murphy and Ian Dowling. Kidney’s men will have no fears facing
unbeaten form side Sale Sharks.
Leinster’s visit to The Rec looks far more formidable despite their
eight-try performance against Glasgow. However the form of Ireland captain
Brian O’Driscoll and flanker Keith Gleeson has been most significant
in the Lions’ change of fortunes.
Leinster have won there before and given that Brian Ashton’s side
are already assur-ed of a quarter-final place it is certainly not beyond
the Lions to advance.
Both games should be tense affairs but it would be a major surprise and
disappointment if there were not at least one and hopefully two representatives
in the last eight of this season’s Heineken Cup.
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