Munster will want to extract every advantage from their spiritual home

IT says something about the competitive nature of this year’s Heineken Cup that entering the final round of group matches only three teams - Sale, Toulouse and Bath - have secured qualification to the knock-out phase.

When one considers that 2004 tournament winners Wasps are no longer in the competition and last year’s beaten finalists Stade Francais are barely hanging on, Munster and Leinster can be satisfied with their progress.

However, all that will mean nothing unless qualification is achieved this weekend. Both sides face massive challenges. Munster entertain the form side in the Guinness Premiership, containing a host of international stars. While Bath are one place from the bottom of the Premiership, their form in Europe has been outstanding. Not only are they unbeaten, they are the number one seed.