In Pics: Heineken Cup Semi-Final Draw

Pictured above: Munster hooker Frankie Sheahan and Leinster flanker Keith Gleeson pose with the Heineken Cup after both provinces were pitched together in the same half of the semi-final draw. If Munster can get the better of Perpignan in their home quarter-final, and Leinster win away to Cup holders Toulouse, then an historic semi-final meeting is on the cards for Munster and Leinster.

Frankie Sheahan, who is currently continuing his recovery from a neck ligament injury which he sustained against Sale in October, said of the semi-final draw: “It’s a little bit disappointing to get another away semi-final draw but to be honest, when you get to that stage of the competition, you have to be able to win home and away.

“Like, we thought we were looking good when we got Wasps at Lansdowne Road a couple of years ago, but it didn’t matter in the end. It was no guarantee.”

Sheahan is hoping to be back in action “in six weeks or so.” The Cork Con clubman added: “I’m doing everything except contact work at the moment. The one positive thing about this injury is that I’ve been able to do some serious work on my strength and fitness.

“I’ve been lifting some really heavy weights and I’d say I’m probably fitter now than I’ve ever been.”

Keith Gleeson said of his side’s French date: “I think if we beat Toulouse we will have earned ourselves a home tie but the match against Toulouse promises to be a great game of rugby.

“This will be the second time that Munster will be looking to Leinster for a favour following what happened in the final round of pool matches. We’ve had a couple of ups and downs in Europe over the last couple of years but Saturday’s victory over Bath was another step in the right direction.”

**All photos by Matthew Phillips on behalf of Inpho Photography**