The fact that Leinster needed a crucial turnover to avoid such a shock outcome is something that will exercise the minds of Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber as they prepare for Toulouse

While Munster’s squad is still short of the international depth available to the top three European sides in Toulouse, La Rochelle and Leinster, when everyone is fit and healthy, they are seriously competitive.

The decision to offer Leinster's opponents a training pitch seemingly did not go down well in Dublin ahead of the Champions Cup quarter final.

From here on in, it’s all about getting the job done.

It's a stacked last eight in the Champions Cup - but once again Munster fell short this season. Give their luck with injuries and ill-health, one wonders is there much point in Muster head coach Graham Rowntree buying a lottery ticket any time soon?

It beggars belief that in the four seasons RG Snyman has been with Munster, the mouth-watering second row pairing with Tadhg Beirne never managed to start a game.

Given Irish rugby's success over the past decade, another Champions Cup title is long overdue. 

When Farrell sits down to review the campaign, he will happily park the silverware and focus instead on what tweaks are required to make sure Ireland’s attacking blueprint keeps evolving.

Peter O'Mahony cut a highly emotional figure as speculation about his Ireland future swirled around Dublin.

Six Nations talking points: At least they have arrived at this stage with destiny in their own hands. It’s time to finish the job.