Downey to be iron man

Munster centre believes he can get his team on the front foot against Clermont

A little experience goes a long way, so they say, and nowhere is that feeling more pertinent than at the business end of a Heineken Cup.

Yet for all Munster’s pedigree in European competition today’s semi-final against ASM Clermont Auvergne will be the province’s first trip to the last four in three years and such has been the turnover in playing personnel since that 18-7 defeat to Biarritz in San Sebastian that only four starters from that day could see action in Montpellier this afternoon.