It’s time for Europe’s big boys to make statement of intent

Talking to Jonny Sexton the other day, we started swapping secrets about psychological baggage from Leinster clashes with Munster.

I have to admit, it was never the worst thing for Munster to lose to our neighbours the week before the start of the Heineken Cup. It was the kick up the arse that guaranteed us the reaction we needed going into Europe. Jonny feels that the mindset has come full circle. Leinster didn’t produce at Thomond Park two weeks ago, but by God did they do it away to the Ospreys in Round One of the Heineken Cup last Saturday.

We were debating it in the context of Racing’s opening round win over Clermont-Auvergne, and the fear that after the Lord Mayor’s carriage, there could be an unceremonious fall to earth for us away to the Scarlets tomorrow. Given the French mindset, that has to be high on the list of fear factors for us.