Oh for some of Leinster’s strength in depth in Munster

The enormity of the challenge facing Leinster and Munster in their respective Champions Cup quarter-finals this weekend is capably captured by the fact their opponents, Saracens and Toulon, have won the last five Heineken/Champions Cups between them, writes Donal Lenihan.

That’s some reward for the two Irish provinces finishing first and third seeds respectively at the conclusion of the pool stages of this season’s competition. At least both have home advantage which, in this tournament, counts for a lot.

At what stage does the law of diminishing returns apply to rugby? That thought crossed my mind as Munster powered their way to a seven-try, 48-3 demolition of Castres in round six last January.