IT took a late David Humphreys penalty to deny Leinster the Magners League title on the final lap last year but there was no need for drama in the Arms Park last night, where the Irish side’s ambitions disappeared long before the last act.

Cardiff Blues 16 Munster 18

Toulouse 37 Northampton 9

LAST WEEKEND was another momentous one for Irish rugby. The achievement in getting two sides into the semi-final stages of the European Cup can only be appreciated in the light of the fact that English rugby failed to get any.