As Ulster adapt to being favourites for a Heineken Cup semi-final, champions Leinster face the sternest test in the defence of their title and an all-Irish final hangs in the balance.

Ulster head coach Brian McLaughlin has said his team are savouring the challenges of this year’s Heineken Cup as they prepare to travel to Thomond Park for an all-Irish quarter-final.

Ulster captain Johann Muller refuses to lose sight of next weekend’s challenge after his side’s empathic 41-7 thrashing of the Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill on Friday night.