Provinces keep eye on French factor

Munster and Leinster fans will have a keen eye on an all-French Heineken Cup tie today — and not just because it contains a potential quarter-final opponent.

Amid all the head-melting permutations that accompany the Heineken Cup’s final pool stage games, the clash of Montpellier and Toulon at Stade Yves du Manoir (3.40pm Irish time) has major implications for both Irish provinces.

Montpellier need two points from the clash to join already-qualified Toulon in the quarter-finals. A draw or a loss by less than seven points while scoring four tries would likely be enough to book a place in the last eight.