Anthony Foley and Neil Doak believe Leinster can take Toulon

It has been framed as a mission impossible, but Matt O’Connor’s coaching colleagues in Munster and Ulster believe Leinster can return from France next Sunday with Toulon’s scalp swinging from their pelts.

Both Neil Doak and Anthony Foley have railed against popular opinion by claiming Leinster can account for the champions in Marseille in the Rugby Champions Cup semi-final but, in fairness, few men know better what that takes.

Munster came up just short against Bernard Laporte’s side in the semi-final last year - and in the same Stade Velodrome that will host this latest semi-final - despite the widespread belief pre-match that they would do well to avoid a punishing defeat.