Another Possible Away Day for Munster

Munster have been dealt the poorest hand in Tuesday’s Heineken Cup semi-final draw, made in Edinburgh, with a last four visit to either Stade Francais or Newcastle to possibly contend with.

Alan Gaffney’s side will have to repeat their 38-29 last eight win over Biarritz in 2001 if they are to get there though, and that’s all they will be worrying themselves about at the moment.

The province – on a ten-game unbeaten run in the Celtic League – have made an appearance in the Cup semi-finals every year since 1999/2000.

The only unbeaten side left in this year’s competition, Leinster have been cut some slack, and given the reward of another home draw in the semi-finals.

Should they edge past two-time champions Leicester on April 2nd, Declan Kidney’s charges will face either Toulouse or Northampton, at Lansdowne Road.

Some reward you might say, considering the French giants and the Saints – this year’s best runners-up – have together won two of the last five Heineken Cups, with Northampton famously beating Munster 9-8 in 2000.

Toulouse, of course, lifted the trophy in Dublin on a balmy May day in 2003, and face the prospect of returning to the scene of their 22-17 defeat of Perpignan.

Leinster will need no reminder that they slipped up in the last four that year, losing 21-14 to Perpignan.

And Kidney as well, of the fact that should both the provinces wind their way past the elite of English and French club rugby, then there’s the mouth-watering prospect of an all-Ireland Munster v Leinster finale in the Scottish capital, on May 22nd.

Heineken Cup Semi-final Draw:

Leinster or Leicester v Toulouse or Northampton

Stade Francais or Newcastle v Biarritz or Munster

*Ties to be played on April 22, 23 or 24