If the prospect of an all-Ireland final in Paris is still alive, he will not be easy for either team.
The inability to beat Leinster London Irish left them the unenviable prospect of hosting Top 14 leaders Clermont Auvergne and in great shape, Aurelien Rougerie, with winners route to France to meet European aristocrats Toulouse or Stade in French semifinals.
The prospect of having to travel to France twice to retain their title is a huge task, while favorites Munster could face a return to the Basque basin of San Sebastian where their European dreams died in 2005.
They will not think of an afternoon under the sun right away, even if, as having just squeezed past Northampton in Thomond Park on Friday night – Paul O’Connell and co host of the English side back in Limerick in April.
The Saints’ deserved losing bonus associated with the failed London Irish win at Twickenham, establishes an intriguing rematch between the parties, which are rapidly developing a rivalry after two clashes of mammoth in the group stage.
The winners face a trip to the home of the winners of Biarritz Ospreys v quarter-final, two teams who have a history with Munster.
The Ospreys will want a crack at home against the team that hammered them 43-9 in the final eight last season, when he was in Biarritz that have been scanned on the last day that emotional in ‘06 Munster claimed their Holy Grail.
Connacht reward for finishing as top seeds for the Challenge Cup is that they prevent one side from the Heineken Cup and will host Bourgoin, while Toulon play the Scarlets, Wasps against Gloucester and Cardiff Blues are face a trip to Newcastle.