Leinster machine to mangle French

IT was Leinster’s misfortune that they were chosen to share the stage with Montpellier when they made their bow in the Heineken Cup last November and they ultimately did well to fly home with a share of the spoils.

The flip side to that mirror presents itself today, however.

Fabien Galthie’s side will not continue their maiden season in this competition through to the knockout stages and, given the French penchant for lukewarm interest on the road at the best of times, they appear to be perfect opponents for the champions in round six.