Leinster face a daunting Heineken Cup quarter-final clash away to Leicester after losing their 100% record in dramatic fashion in Toulouse this afternoon. The visitors trailed by just 3-0 at the interval following a disciplined first half, but the French giants turned on the style with a stunning six try display after the break to record an emphatic win and leave Matt Williams' side facing a perilous trip to Welford Road in a fortnight's time. The result also means Munster must overcome Stade Francais if they are to progress in the competition.
A first half penalty from Yann Delaigue was all that separated the sides going into the second half, but three tries from Cedric Heymans and one apiece from Finau Maka, Michel Marfaing and Emile Ntamack sealed a sensational victory for the hosts, who were playing for pride alone.
Victor Costello registered Leinster's first score when he went over in the 73rd minute, and although Brian O'Meara converted, the game was already well beyond their reach following a brilliant display of attacking rugby by Toulouse.
Leinster coach Matt Williams blamed a draining travel schedule for taking the edge off his side. He conceded: "It's been a difficult ten days travelling to the north of England and then down to the South of France. I can't fault the efforts of the players - but we ran out of petrol today. We had a lot to play for and we did not lack motivation. But Toulouse had been tucked up in their beds over Christmas, and we had three of our top players out injured."
Montferrand beat Glasgow 44-13 to secure the final quarter-final berth, where they have been drawn away to Toulouse.
The full draw for the Heineken Cup 1/4 Finals:Stade Francais v MunsterToulouse v Monterferrand/Leicester v LeinsterBath v Llanelli
Games to be played weekend of January 27, 2002.
Filed by Shane Murray
