Three out of eight quarter-finalists would be great

At last, a contest this round of Champions Cup rugby so badly needed. After the capitulations witnessed in some of the other Rd 5 games, it was so refreshing to see Glasgow and Munster give absolutely everything in an effort to secure a win and a coveted quarter final slot.

In the end Munster’s resilience, doggedness and belief delivered the victory that now guarantees their place in the knockout phase of Champions Cup rugby for the first time since 2014. With that in the bag, the next task is securing the all-important home quarter-final that will become a certainty if they beat Racing 92 in Limerick next Saturday.

Who would bet against that happening at this juncture even if Racing finally deliver a performance their status as reigning French champions demands after a disastrous campaign from them to date. It will be interesting now to see what combination they decide to bring to Thomond Park.