The short side: Champions Cup returns, front-row duel and Manu Tuilagi set to shine

Munster host Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin after Thomond Park was already booked for an Ed Sheeran concert.

It is set to be a titanic battle, notably after Toulouse snatched victory away from Ulster in the dying minutes of their round-of-16 tie, thanks to an Antoine Dupont try. The defending champions have a winning ethos on the European stage and, even when they are not necessarily the best team on the day, they can find a way to emerge victorious.

Many Toulouse players are riding the wave after France’s Grand Slam win and they will be eager to add to their trophy cabinet. Dupont and fly-half Romain Ntamack have an impressive partnership with an understanding that transcends standard communication. It is a powerful asset that Les Rouge et Noir will undoubtedly use.

Set-piece is a cornerstone for the French side’s success, and their strong pack will be looking to maintain dominance up front for their flyers out wide.

Munster head coach Johann van Graan will be looking to combat that area of the game and find a way to disrupt Toulouse’s possession and hope to rush the French half-back pairing.

Dupont will punish lazy defending, and that will be a focal point of preparation. Munster boasts control in their backline with all their players excellent on the ball, but the game will be won or lost in the forward pack.

Van Graan’s men have to take away Toulouse’s power or it will be an uphill battle for the Irish province. Expect a classic European clash complete with physicality, ball skills and a tight finish.

This clash has history #ThrowbackThursday to when our quarter-final opponents @Munsterrugby and @StadeToulousain locked horns in the 2008 final

Who are you backing this time round? #HeinekenChampionsCup