Munster were here before as recently as last year.

Up against daunting French opposition in the Heineken Cup semi-finals, the province almost shocked Clermont in France.

But as Keith Wood and Gerry Thornley said last night, Toulon are a different challenge and not as "flaky" as Clermont had a tendency to be.

The reigning Heineken Cup champions are in peerless form in the Top 14, winning six of their last seven games.

Over the season they have averaged 2.12 tries domestically, conceding 25 tries in 25 games. With Jonny Wilkinson (241 points) in their ranks, they are the top point scorers in France this year

Highest try scorer for Toulon this year has been Australian utility back Matt Giteau with 9, while centre Maxime Mermoz has plundered a further six.

Their good form this season has put them top of the Top 14 table and already secured them a semi-final playoff place.

In Europe, Toulon breezed through the pool stages, with five wins from six and then overpowered Leinster three weeks ago at the Stade Mayol.

Toulon's Maxime Mermoz against Leinster ©INPHO/James Crombie

On an individual basis, no Toulon player features in the Top 10 for categories like total carries, offloads, clean breaks or metres in this season's Heineken Cup.

But back row Juan Smith is ranked six in total tackles (66) and France centre Mathieu Bastareuad is 9th in terms of defenders beaten (18).

Indeed Bastareaud beat defenders on six occasions during the 29 - 14 win over Leinster, while winger Drew Mitchell added a further five.

Keith and Gerry chatted about the way to approach this fixture last night on Off The Ball and you can you listen to the full Wednesday Night Rugby preview of the match here.