There may be trouble ahead
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.
