Beating Munster merely a means to an end

WHAT A weird and wonderful weekend of Heineken Cup semi-final action. In total over 126,000 people crammed the magnificent modern sporting cathedrals in Croke Park and the Millennium Stadium and were treated to two outstanding exhibitions of passion, skill, high drama and selfless commitment that underlined once again just how cherished a Heineken Cup winners medal has become.

At last Leinster, after years of toil and near misses, get to sample the intoxicating atmosphere of a Heineken Cup final after failing at the semi-final hurdle on two previous occasions. They must quickly come to terms with the fact that beating reigning champions Munster is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Beating Leicester in the final will pose just as big a challenge as dethroning their nearest and dearest. I could not help but feel while watching that somewhat embarrassing penalty shoot-out that, from a Leinster point of view, I would have preferred to see the Cardiff Blues emerge than the grizzled and experienced Tigers side. When outstanding open side flanker Martyn Williams suffered the unnecessary evil of missing his kick at goal in sudden death you sensed that Michael Cheika had better prepare for another physical confrontation of seismic proportions.