It is likely that tickets to the Heineken Cup semi-final clash between Leinster and Munster will become the most sought after item in the history of rugby in this country. The meeting of the two sides is one that would have been worthy of the final itself given the history between the two sides and their current standing after their respective quarter final.

While Munster were plainly workmanlike in their Lansdowne Road win over Perpignan Leinster weaved wonders to defeat reigning champions Toulouse in their own back yard.

And on the evidence of the respective performances, Leinster will go into that semi-final the warmest of favourites to progress to the final in Cardiff on 20th May.

Munster had to dog it out against a Perpignan side who may not command the respect Toulouse enjoy but who nevertheless gave perhaps a more complete performance than their more vaunted colleagues.

Munster trailed 10-7 at half time but scored twelve unanswered second half points to earn themselves a place in the semi final