Preparation paramount for Munster

NEVER before has a clash between age-old rivals Munster and Leinster attracted so much hype and anticipation. With a place in the Heineken Cup final the prize, the potential reward has never been greater.

How times change. The race for tickets has already reached manic proportions yet one only has to go back eight years when a provincial clash between the sides attracted less than 500 people to Dooradoyle in Limerick.

Not for the first time, Irish supporters have been short-changed, with the Lansdowne Road semi-final scheduled on a Sunday due to the demands of French television. From the supporters’ perspective, Saturday is by far the preferred option. Yet once again, as with Munster’s clash against Wasps two years ago, and against Biarritz in San Sebastian last year, the Irish have been relegated to the Sunday slot.