Must Win

The normal speculation that arises after Heineken Cup round four about what needs to be done can be dispensed within Munster’s Pool 3. They simply have to win their last remaining games.

Whatever happens elsewhere will count for nought if they don't beat Toulon in mid January and if they do that and Ospreys somehow slip up in the Madejski then they're back in the driving seat ahead of the final game in Thomond Park.

Again factoring in four points from the trip to France, if Ospreys were to take five points from Irish and Toulon that would leave Munster requiring a bonus point win in their final game at home to London Irish.

There are 21 points available to them, 20 to Ospreys. In the event of of the sides being tied on points at the end of the group stage, the advantage lies with Munster (5-2 in tries scored).

The key to this group lies in the trip to the south of France and while there will be widespread disappointment over events in the Liberty Stadium, the fact still remains that Munster's destiny still remains in their own hands.