This may be the Rugby Champions Cup’s inaugural season, but the feeling this weekend, as the two semi-finals are contested on French soil, is one of familiarity, given the identities of the four clubs involved.

FRANCE could not have asked for more as they sought to rebuild their confidence after the crushing World Cup defeat by England than to face two weakened teams in the start to their Six Nations campaign.

There was heartbreak for Munster today as they lost out on a place in the Heineken Cup final by a single point to Toulouse, who went over for a try five minutes from the end.

A Frederick Michalak try, converted by Jean Baptiste Elisalde has turned the tide in favour of Toulouse against Munster in France with the clock running out.