Can Andy Ward's side go the whole way?

Ulster proved that they are now a side of character with a gritty victory at Hughenden. Leinster won the inaugural competition last season and hope to make it an Irish double.

Following a five-week break from action, Ulster stormed back into action with skipper Ward, Paul Shields and Ryan Constable coming off the bench to instigate victory.

Coach Alan Solomons emphasised that while it was a great victory, the fact that they had won on the road was a massive boost.

But can Ulster beat Munster in Limerick and go on to win the competition?

This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appears below.

Ulster have the pack to not only take on Munster but to dominate them. Had the game been held at a neutral venue (as last year) then I would back Ulster to win. With the match being held in Thomond it will be very close - however Munster will probably shade it. I hope not!
Mark Haslett, Ulster

On a man for man basis and in terms of the "x-factor", Munster should have the edge over Ulster. However games between the Irish provinces are usually tight. Munster certainly won't have any illusions about the task facing them.

Assuming they win their semi-final, a full strength Munster has the ammunition to win out the competition. Given their current Heineken Cup predicament, the Celtic League may be their only realistic target.
Brian, Ireland

Ulster have very few players in the current Irish squad of 22 (two: Humphries and Longwell) whereas Munster have an average of seven to 10 players.

Ulster have only beaten Munster recently when the team has been under-strength. The teams that have performed well so far weren't missing top players. Last year's champions Leinster supply an average of 11 players to the current Irish Squad and didn't make the quarter-finals as a direct result.

Full strength Munster are obviously stronger man-for-man but Ulster play very well as a team and may pull of a surprise. But it would be a surprise...
Eoin, Ireland

It would be foolish to dismiss this current Ulster side Brian, Glasgow

Before the match in Glasgow, the opinion was that Ulster had no chance of winning against a greatly improved and in-form Glasgow team. Ulster have shown the ability to grab vital victories after poor start to the season.

No one would argue that Munster would be favourites. However it would be foolish to dismiss this current Ulster side.
Brian, Glasgow

The reason David Humphreys isn't a regular starter for Ireland is because Ronan O'Gara's and Peter Stringer's week-in week-out partnership makes them a more natural choice. If this were not a factor in deciding Ireland's kicker I frimly believe Humphreys would beat O'Gara every time.
Graham Shaw, Scotland

I think the most impressive performance of the weekend was Cardiff's second half performance. I fancy them to go to the Gnoll and win. Munster v Cardiff final. Where's the final?
Guto Edwards, Wales

Of course we can win the Celtic League. The side showed great charcter and determination on Saturday to deny Glasgow and we can do the same to Munster in Limerick. If our pack can match Munster up front we have the backs to do do the rest.
Andrew Bell, UK

We have already beaten Munster once in the Celtic league this season; I see no reason why the boys can't do it again!
Stuart, England

I don't think Ulster can harbour any real hopes of winning the Celtic League Martin Corley, Ireland

Of course they can. They have hammered Munster twice in the last two games between the sides, and they can do it again. I know the game is in Limerick, but Munster's days are on the wane and Ulster are emerging.
Joe Sugden, Ballymena, NI

I think it will be a Munster/Neath Final, which could be very interesting. You'd think Munster would edge that but I'm confident that Neath could pull off a shock.
James John, Wales

I don't think Ulster can harbour any real hopes of winning the Celtic League. I watched them at the weekend and Humphreys might be talented with the boot but he doesn't stand flat enough and consequently provides opposition forwards too much time and they easily snuff out any threats.

This is the reason Humphreys isn't in the Irish team and why O'Gara is by far a better option at out-half and this is why O'Gara will get the better of Humphreys in Limerick.
Martin Corley, Ireland

Ulster have the best side that they possibly have ever had, while Munster are definitely one of the biggest European clubs. Ulster are not far behind and Ulster proved three times last season that they could beat Munster even though it was not at Thomond Park. Ulster will give them a run for their money and who knows on the day what will happen?
Jon Best, Ulster