Donal Lenihan: Will Páirc Uí Chaoimh come back into Champions Cup equation?

With Munster’s higher ranking from the pool stage — Leinster finished fourth as a consequence of the Montpellier cancellation — Johann van Graan’s men would have home advantage in that potential encounter

with Munster’s higher ranking from the pool stage — Leinster finished fourth as a consequence of the Montpellier cancellation — Johann van Graan’s men would have home advantage in that potential encounter. If that eventuality arises — remember you can’t stage the semi-final on your home ground — then Munster should move heaven and earth to play the game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, says Donal Lenihan

Who would have thought only five weeks ago, with seven of the 12 Champions Cup round 2 games postponed or cancelled due to Covid related issues, that the round of 16 ties would be in a position to proceed, as scheduled, over consecutive weekends in early April.

For that, the tournament’s beleaguered organisers EPCR deserve credit. The nightmare scenario surrounding Covid outbreaks in numerous squads and the fallout from having to apportion blame and match points for issues outside the control of the respective team managements have been difficult.