Thomond braced for mother of all contests

OBSERVING the faces of the Munster faithful as they coped with security checks, long airport queues, passport control — even defeat at the hands of Clermont Auvergne — the fanatical followers were as cheerful and resilient as ever on the homeward trek Sunday night.

The Heineken Cup has that effect on people. While many struggle with the doom and gloom of the post-Christmas celebrations and dreadful winter weather, Munster’s European exploits continue to provide moments of magic.

The all-important losing bonus point, procured in the most unlikely of circumstances in the Parc Des Sport Marcel Michelin, has now set up the mother of all contests in Thomond Park on Saturday.