Leinster May Have Done Munster A Massive Favour By Drawing Tonight
Latest posts by Will Matthews (see all)
- Paul O’Connell on the biggest change in rugby players since he played - March 28, 2024
- Louis Rees-Zammit lands contract with huge NFL franchise - March 28, 2024
- Owen Farrell’s reported salary at Racing 92 is a surprising one - March 27, 2024
Leinster were held to a 24-24 draw against Castres in France tonight.
The Irish province needed a win to guarantee a home quarter final, but it seems they have done enough regardless. Thanks to the two points earned tonight, the only team that can push them out of the top four are Irish rivals Connacht.
In order for Connacht to do that they need to do the near impossible. Pat Lam’s men must go to Toulouse on Sunday and beat the French side by a 62-point margin, and of course grab a try bonus-point.
Leinster now seem destined for a third/fourth place finish overall but their draw tonight could have serious implications for Munster. The southern province take on Racing 92 in Thomond Park tomorrow, knowing a win will guarantee them a home quarter final.
Here however is where it gets interesting. Holders Saracens are currently on the same points as Munster, but have the difficult task of hosting three-time champions Toulon. Should Munster get a winning bonus-point and Saracens fail to, Munster will finish second in the seedings.
Rassie Erasmus’ men would then be in line for a home semi-final. Both Munster and Saracens are almost neck and neck when it comes to points difference also which means even if Saracens get a bonus-point win, Munster can still finish second. The Premiership champions are currently three points ahead of them in points difference.
What a weekend of rugby we get to look forward to.