THERE is a train of thought that Munster need only turn up and topple another French club at Thomond Park tomorrow but given the strong possibility that ASM Clermont Auvergne will field their strongest available XV, it’s unlikely to be a Munster cakewalk inside their favourite ground.

MUNSTER continued preparations at University of Limerick yesterday for the second of their pool-defining reverse fixtures against Clermont Auvergne with head coach Tony McGahan describing the Thomond Park sell-out a ‘must-win Cup final’.

HAVING just moved on from the emotional rollercoaster that saw him face his native New Zealand at Thomond Park, Doug Howlett is likely to feel more than a tinge of sentiment when he returns to Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday, the scene of his Munster debut.

THEY’RE back and they’re gunning for revenge.

MUNSTER hooker Jerry Flannery last night flatly denied that he deliberately stamped on French backrow Julien Bonnaire in yesterday’s thrilling Heineken Cup clash.

Argentina number eight Gonzalo Longo believes his side can put their domestic troubles to one side and perform well in the upcoming Test against Wales later this month.

Construction company Kingspan has reported a 40% rise in operating profits in 2005 to €145.1m, up from 103.3m in 2004.

IRISH internationals Keith Gleeson and Malcolm O’Kelly are both nursing injuries as Leinster prepare for the big Heineken Cup match of the weekend away to Montferrand.