Leinster 25 Munster 14: However preoccupied the coaching staff at Racing 92 may be as they deal with the fallout from leaked positive dope test results, a look at the tape of Munster’s defeat in Dublin will provide an altogether more welcome shot in the arm.

Ronan O’Gara has confirmed he is ready to sign a contract extension to 2016 with Racing Metro — ruling out any short-term return to Munster.

Leinster 9 Northampton 18

Steer 20 stone men around the pitch in a foreign language, battle with other internationals for your position and deal with the president’s whims... those are the challenges facing Jonny Sexton in Racing Metro, according to Montauban out-half Peter Durcan.