Damien Varley: Munster are going to

The scars of Munster’s last meeting with Toulon remain with Damien Varley but the hooker is determined the time is right for the province’s new breed of stars to make their mark in Marseille on Sunday.

Varley is one of just six starters still with the province from the January 2011 Heineken Cup pool encounter at Stade Felix Mayol, which Munster lost 32-16 on route to a first pool-stage exit in 13 seasons.

It is a game he remembers as being dominated by the Toulon pack in an atmosphere he regards as one of the most intimidating he has faced. Yet as Varley, 30, prepares for Munster’s renewal with the now defending champions in this weekend’s Heineken Cup semi-final he believes he is now part of a younger side on the way up and all the better for their near miss at the same stage last season.