Williams refuses to think of Munster final

Leinster’s Australian coach Matt Williams is refusing to contemplate the possibility of a Heineken Cup final against Munster.

Although Leinster will start as firm favourites at Lansdowne Road on Sunday, Williams is well aware that Perpignan have beaten Munster, Llanelli and Gloucester in Europe this term.

“There are no easy sides left in the competition,” said Williams, whose side are the only unbeaten team remaining in this season’s Heineken Cup.

“We’ve had hard rugby right through, because we had a very tough pool. Montferrand are an exceptionally good team, and we knew those two pool games would be pivotal to our chances.”

Williams embarked on a French spying mission last Friday night, when he watched Perpignan play Stade Francais.

“They [Perpignan] looked pretty good, and they were unlucky to lose,” he said.

“Manny Edmonds [Perpignan fly-half] had an off-night with the boot, which is unlike him, but he is a very, very good footballer.

“I don’t think he was given the dues he deserved at Test level in Australia. We were crying out for fly-halves at one stage, and he’s got beautiful hands and a great kicking game.”