Leinster stand up to scrutiny

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

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.