Munster’s kicking solution may be right under their nose...

With two full rounds of the Champions Cup pool action still to come in January, it’s already cast in stone that should Ulster or Munster claw their way into the final eight, there will be no quarter-final contested on Irish soil this season.

Ulster have displayed great resilience in recent weeks in coping with the loss of Iain Henderson, Dan Touhy, Chris Henry, Darran Cave, Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne and still account for Toulouse on successive weeks. In adversity Les Kiss has unearthed a very potent new midfield combination in Stuart McCloskey and a rejuvenated Luke Marshall. They created havoc against their illustrious French opponents and will also have caught the attention of Joe Schmidt.

Ulster’s problem, however, is that Europe’s form side this season, Saracens, unbeaten in domestic and European competition are certain to top Pool 1 leaving Ulster fighting for that runners up slot and a quarter-final on the road. Munster and Leinster would gladly accept that position right now.