McGahan’s race against time

NOT so long ago the prospect that Ireland would have twice as many teams in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals as France was unthinkable.

With just three sides in the tournament a 66% return with Munster and Leinster progressing is a tremendous achievement. By way of comparison the French with seven representatives at the starting line have posted a return of just 14% and that by the skin of their teeth with Toulouse scraping through in eighth position.

Of all the French teams Clermont Auvergne are unluckiest.