Leinster options, Munster problems – both run deep

Donal Lenihan looks at the Irish powerhouses and sees one squad primed to build on European success, while the other requires major surgery as cracks start to show.

THE elimination of French semi-finalists Toulouse and Perpignan over the weekend was good news for ERC as Leinster and Northampton fans will flock to Cardiff on May 21 in their droves. That takes care of the finances for another year.

However, of equal importance is the fact that despite Leinster’s outstanding form and consistency this season, Northampton will pose a real threat to their title aspirations and will guarantee a final rich in quality, colour and passion. The one issue for Northampton is how they balance their commitments on the domestic front over the next few weeks as question marks remain over the depth of their squad.