ALL eight quarter-finalists in the Heineken European Cup will be known today and, from an Irish perspective, the focus will be very much on Munster. A draw in Toulouse will suffice to give them a place in the knock-out stages. Should they qualify from the "group of death" it would rank alongside some of the province's famous achievements through the years.
One factor that has not pleased some of the teams is that not all matches kick off at the same time, and this is something that should be addressed.
Munster's position and objective are clearcut - a draw or a win against Toulouse will mean a quarter-final place and exit for the cup holders in a group from which Cardiff have already qualified. For Leinster and Ulster, who both face French opposition at home, the situation is less clearcut.
Leinster play Pau, and both will be hoping that Leicester, who top group B and are assured of qualifying, beat Llanelli at Welford Road. Llanelli are on four points so a draw today will mean qualification irrespective of the result at Donnybrook. Should Llanelli lose and Pau win, then Pau will go through on superior points difference.
Leinster's task is to beat Pau very comprehensively and hope that Leicester will do the same to Llanelli. Leinster and Pau can only reach four points in the table. But Leinster must not alone win but make up a 50 points difference on the Welsh side.
Ulster take on the Pool C leaders Brive, who are already assured of qualification with six points from three matches. Harlequins are in second place on four points and as they are hosts to Caledonia, who have failed to gain a point, even a win for Ulster today - and that would be a major achievement - is scarcely likely to be of any benefit in the context of qualifying as Ulster have just two points.
The shock of the 77-17 defeat suffered at the hands of Wasps last week is still being felt in Toulouse and more than a few players may have to endure the consequences of that result. Toulouse had not finalised a side up to last night and may name the team just a few hours before the match.
They made no effort to hide their disappointment at the performance against Wasps. "It was a positive nightmare such as I thought I would never have to experience," said coach Guy Noves. "It was like as if Wasps planted a bomb in our team. It exploded -and our worry now is that it has - placed self doubt in our side. But we must galvanise our efforts now for the match against Munster. I think you will see the real Toulouse against the Irish. We must regain our passion and our pride after that humiliation."
The captain, Emile N'Tamack said: "I thought it Wasps played brilliantly. It was like watching Toulouse at our very best." So Munster can be prepared for a huge effort from the home side who can call on no fewer than seven French internationals, but only one is in the pack and that pack suffered last week as never before. Toulouse have six players under treatment for injuries, and the most doubtful are wing David Berty and flanker Regis Sonnes, who may be on the replacement bench.
Full-back Stephane Ougier, centre Thomas Casteignede, back row forward Jean-Luc Cestre and N'Tamack, who plays on the wing, are all under treatment.
"This is a cup final for us," said Munster manager Colm Tucker, "and we will be approaching the match in a positive mood. We are asking for a huge effort from our players and hope to get it."
The Munster forwards will certainly need to be at their vibrant and passionate best and with Gabriel Fulcher, Mick Galwey and Ben Cronin in fine form, line-out possession should be forthcoming. But they must use the ball well in every respect and first-time and effective tackling will be vital. If the French are given time and space, they can be devastating. The crowd, too, will be vociferous and Munster must get used to what will be an intimidating atmosphere. The referee is England's Tony Spreadbury and proper vigilance from him will be needed.
Leinster's opponents, Pau make just one change from the team that lost to Leicester in a bad tempered match last week. Unfortunately, Pau are not noted for the niceness of the methods they employ in the pursuit of victory. Leinster, on home soil, will surely give them a good examination, and will be anxious to end the tournament on a winning note. The return of Paul Wallace at prop should help.
Ulster have been especially unlucky in the competition, losing narrowly to Harlequins and last week being the victims of appalling refereeing decisions. In Brive they face a very accomplished side. Paddy Johns's return in the second row is a big plus. Brive have made three changes in their pack from the side that beat Harlequins 23-10. The three ruled out were all injured last week in the course of that win.
In the European Conference, Connacht and Orrell end their campaigns at the Sports Ground, with both hoping to secure what would be a second success in the competition.
Connacht welcome back Eric Elwood and a much-changed pack, with Shane Leahy on the blind-side flank, could give Elwood the chance to exert his influence against a side that has struggled badly in the English League. Owen Cobbe comes in at full-back for the injured Brian Carey. A win for Connacht looks within their capabilities.
The meeting of Lansdowne and St Mary's College in the final of the Leinster Senior League, sponsored by Kitty O'Shea's, should provide a stirring contest at Donnybrook tomorrow.
