‘I can’t think of any team, in any sport, at any time, who display a greater will to win than this Munster side’

EVERYWHERE you go it’s the same. Since the tremendous victory over Leinster, interest in Munster’s quest for European fulfilment has been phenomenal.

Driving through Cork and Limerick in recent weeks it has been fascinating to see the bunting and messages of goodwill, normally the preserve of GAA teams, that adorn the various towns.

Should John Kelly be passed fit to play, six players — Anthony Foley, John Hayes, David Wallace, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara and Kelly — will be starting their third final. But for a hand injury to Anthony Horgan on the eve of the Leicester game in 2002, it would be a magnificent seven. This group will realise better than anyone that sentiment alone will be insufficient to lift the famous trophy.