This is a mere cloud hanging on to a massive silver lining.
Munster are back in the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup for the first time in three years. They are also second seeds after 60 pool stage games between Europe’s finest clubs and they have secured a home quarter final against Toulouse at Thomond Park.
If that is not enough, the semi-final scenarios have been revealed and Munster could face Leinster in the final, at Murrayfield on May 13, if both successfully negotiate their next two games.
There is one European Professional Club Rugby draw stipulation that may yet deny Munster and their supporters a semi-final against either Saracens or Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium on April 22/23. An EPCR statement reads:
‘The format for the semi-final matches in the Challenge Cup recognises performances by clubs during the pool stage as well as the achievement of winning a quarter-final match away from home.’
The semis will be played at venues designated by EPCR, and the following clubs will have home country advantage in their respective matches:
- If Saracens (ranked No 3) and Munster (ranked No 2) win their quarter-finals, Munster will have home country advantage
- If Saracens (ranked No 3) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Toulouse will have home country advantage
- If Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 6) and Munster (ranked No 2) win their quarter-finals, Glasgow will have home country advantage
- If Glasgow Warriors (ranked No 6) and Toulouse (ranked No 7) win their quarter-finals, Glasgow will have home country advantage
The idea is that lower seeded teams will have an extra incentive to win an away quarter final. This goes against the logic that winning any quarter final will GET YOU INTO THE SEMI-FINALS!
So, four scenarios exist and only one sees second seeds Munster get a semi-final. Glasgow, the sixth seeds, get a Murrayfield semi-final in two of the four possible outcomes.
Spare a thought for Saracens and Leinster [third and fourth seeds] though. Both clubs topped their pools but have no chance of getting a home semi-final.
It hardly seems fair but, right now, Munster fans will just be toasting the remarkable success of their side.
