The Sunday Times' Stephen Jones previews the Heineken Cup quarter-finals as Northampton make the daunting trip to Munster.
"You could not call it the moment of truth because this burgeoning Northampton side still have lots of improvement to make. But it is an indication of their progress that they go to Thomond Park, Limerick on Saturday with a place in the semi-finals of the Heineken European Cup at stake. However, they will be up against one of the greatest cup-fighting teams in the history of the European event.
"All eyes will be glued to the action. A tranche of young players at Northampton have been exciting the Saints supporters over the last two years, if not the England selectors. On Saturday, against the full fury of Munster, on and off the field, we will learn so much about Courtney Laws, Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Steve Myler and also about Dylan Hartley.
"Indeed, we will learn far more in one afternoon than from a whole season watching players in the England development structure with all its weaknesses. If some or all of these young men thrive in the hostile atmosphere then, almost en bloc, they will deserve a starting place in the England team in Australia in June."
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