Leinster stand up to scrutiny

AS weekends go, this one must have been especially tough for Connacht.

Mon, 16 Jan, 2012 - 00:00

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

With neighbours Munster and Leinster securing passage tothe last eight of the Heineken Cup and Ulster also giving themselves a fighting chance or progression with thatmagnificent performance against Leicester Tigers, the westerners once again found themselves out in the cold despite performing valiantly in defeat in Toulouse. Many a side have gone tothe Stade Ernest Wallon and finished with far less to show for their efforts.

Leinster look odds on fora home quarter-final asMontpellier, with nothing to play for, next up at the RDS on Saturday. Munster, on 20 points, require a minimum of a losing bonus point against a rejuvenated Northampton on Saturday, and even that may not besufficient to secure a home draw because of their lack of tries.