So much has changed since Munster set out on their inaugural fixture in this season’s Champions Cup campaign that it’s difficult to grasp that they now sit just 80 minutes away from an appearance in the semi-final stage of the tournament.

Call it coincidence, but there was a prescient air of doom and gloom — amongst media and supporters at any rate — among the Pro12 sides heading into Round 2 of the Champions Cup. With good reason, as it transpired.

Brive 37 Munster 42

BRIVE’S Irish lock Damien Browne has admitted he’ll be glad to see the back of “the most difficult year of my professional career” after he lifted the lid on the turmoil endured off the field by Munster’s Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents.

THERE are plenty of lazy comparisons to draw between Brive and Munster — both former European champions keen to restore former glories, and both call small, rugby-mad provincial centres home — but what’s less obvious is that the French side found inspiration in Limerick not so long ago.

BRIVE coach Ugo Mola believes his side can ambush Munster’s Amlin Challenge Cup hopes at Stade Amédée on Saturday following their pressure-relieving victory over Top 14 minnows La Rochelle last weekend.

THEY’VE been to paradise, but they’ve never been to Brive.

Brive coach Ugo Mola has included former Connacht lock Damien Browne in his side to tackle Leinster in the Heineken Cup at the RDS on Saturday.

Former Ulster coach Mark McCall has been appointed as the backs coach of French side Castres.

FORMER England hooker Brian Moore has launched a scathing attack on Eddie O’Sullivan and the Irish squad for their performances at the Rugby World Cup.

Neath-Swansea 20 Castres 11

Castres 58 Harlequins 13

Castres 58 Harlequins 13

Ireland international Ronan O’Gara became the Heineken Cup’s leading points scorer as Munster gained full revenge on Castres, scoring five tries in a 36-8 Pool Four triumph at Thomond Park.

Castres centre Laurent Marticorena ended Munster’s nine-game winning streak and dealt their Heineken Cup quarter-final hopes a blow, kicking four crucial penalties in a 19-12 Pool 4 win at Stade Pierre-Antoine.

Declan Colley talks to coach Graham Steadman, who is confident of smart play by Munster tonight.

Castres have dropped veterans Yann Delaigue and Richard Dourthe for their home tie with Munster at Stade Pierre Antoine tomorrow evening.

Castres 38 Neath-Swansea Ospreys 17

Caerphilly take on Castres in the Parker Pen Shield final hoping to become the first Welsh club to win a European trophy.

Irish international Anthony Foley tonight urged his Munster team-mates to ‘‘do it for Declan’’ when they tackle Heineken Cup semi-final opponents Castres on Saturday.

Castres have received a huge boost after their Ivory Coast forward Ismaela Lassissi won his appeal against a 12-month ban imposed by tournament disciplinary chiefs following a biting allegation.

Harlequins coach John Kingston believes Munster face a massive challenge in their next Heineken Cup match away to Castres next week.

Munster 28 Castres 23