O’Connell says Clermont showdown his biggest challenge

Paul O’Connell last night described Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final against raging hot favourites Clermont Auvergne as the biggest challenge he has faced in a Munster jersey.

The iconic second-rower, who skippered Munster to a shock quarter-final victory over Harlequins, believes fans can dream of a place in the final, but admitted it was probably the biggest ask in his time with the two-time champions.

“It’s probably the biggest challenge in my time; down the years we would have been massive underdogs going into some games, but when you look at Clermont you look at the players they are not going to pick in their 23 for this weekend and there’s an incredible amount of talent there.