French test the toughest of all

Michael Cheika had no doubt about the extent of the task facing his Leinster team this time two years ago when the Irish province prepared for their first, and so far only, Heineken Cup semi-final on French soil.

The Australian had been coach five years by the time the 2009 champions were landed with a trip to Toulouse’s Le Stadium and he was frank enough in the run-up to admit that it was the most difficult assignment in all his time in Dublin.

To this day, only one foreign side has emerged victorious from the continent after a Heineken Cup semi-final. Munster being Munster, they haven’t just done it once but twice and they are achievements that aren’t afforded the recognition they deserve.