There may be trouble ahead

IF THE recent Six Nations defeat to Scotland has taught us anything, it’s that despite all the heroics and accumulation of trophies last season, Irish rugby has no divine right to silverware.

The sight of the Triple Crown being packed away in Croke Park without a formal presentation offered a sobering reminder to the Munster and Leinster contingent on the eve of the European quarter-finals that if the Heineken Cup is to remain in Ireland for a third successive season, then both teams must recapture their very best form as quickly as possible.

The main assault is set to come from France where the possibility of a “home” final in Paris seems to have provided the additional incentive for the French effort this season. With the national side also landing a first Grand Slam since 2004, they are now savouring the feelgood factor that seemed to inspire an Irish success in Europe last season.