Dublin is preparing itself for an invasion from the Red Army of Munster today, ahead of this weekend's clash with Leinster.

LIKE Napoleon’s soldiers, more than 1,000 battle-hardened warriors of rugby’s Red and Blue armies will march on their stomachs into Lansdowne Road for next week’s Heineken European Cup semi-final.

WHEN his coach declares that Frederic Michalak will receive increased protection the longer the week goes on, you have be sure that the French out-half in the World Cup quarter-final at the Telstra Dome on Sunday, is something very special indeed.

Thousands of Irish rugby fans have gathered in Northern France ahead of today’s Heineken European Cup Semi-Final in Lille.