Byrne under no illusions

Clermont full-back Lee Byrne has described Munster as 'kings' ahead of their Heineken Cup semi-final this Saturday.

Clermont full-back Lee Byrne has described Munster as “kings” ahead of their Heineken Cup semi-final this Saturday.

Bidding to become only the ninth Welshman to win the Heineken Cup – the first since Gareth Thomas in 2005 – Clermont are tipped by many to win their first-ever Heineken Cup title next month.

First however, they will have to face two-time champions Munster at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, although Byrne admits that Clermont's star-studded pack could prove to be the difference.

“Munster are the kings of it, aren't they? I've played them a lot over the years and they know how to win Heineken Cup matches,” said Byrne to ERC Rugby.

“We're under no illusions about what they're going to bring and they have a great knack of pulling it out of the bag when it really matters. Hopefully we can stop that.

“Standing back and watching our forwards having a rumble is quite intimidating.

“I just let them carry on and applaud it at the back. It's the best pack I've ever played behind and it's a credit to them because they work really hard. I just hope we get our rewards at the end of the season.”