Things that surprise: Toulouse’s Thomond no-show; their body language; that they were surprised by the intensity of the occasion is a surprise in itself.

Irish attitudes towards French opposition in Europe have changed markedly, but a healthy respect remains for Guy Noves’ Toulouse, writes Ronan O'Gara.

Memo to Munster fans from Ronan O'Gara : Get into Thomond Park a good 45 minutes before tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Derby day tomorrow in Paris and Dublin.

Big statement alert: I don’t think in the history of rugby in this country have we had a better captain-coach combination guiding our fortunes into the next World Cup.

If it isn’t ‘GUBU’, it’s not far off. The vitriol pouring down on Philippe Saint-Andre and his French players this week is unbelievable, occasionally bizarre.

I can understand why Brian O’Driscoll will be centre stage at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow for his last home game in an Ireland jersey but Paris was really where it all began for him.

The appointment of Anthony Foley as Munster’s next head coach was great, the timing was right, and I think there is so much more to come from him that we haven’t yet seen.

Ireland won’t go all the way unbeaten to the 2015 World Cup. What will inform Joe Schmidt’s thinking over the next 18 months is identifying those in his squad who will dip or crumble in defeats or bad performances. Or both.

Things can change quickly when you’re coaching. Things happen and new challenges have to be faced.