It will be interesting to see how Ireland and Australia look to exploit a new maul guideline which came into effect last month

Going by conversations with people who’ve either served on the Munster Branch on behalf of their clubs or on the Professional Games Committee, the appetite for change seems to be minimal. That’s a worry.

If Leinster are finding it so difficult to compete with the best the Top 14 has to offer, what chance have Ulster, Munster and Connacht?

Overall it proved a thoroughly demoralising weekend of action from an Irish perspective.

Word has emerged that the South African Rugby Union is considering the withdrawal of its team from the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions

Given the quality and consistency of performance they are delivering at present, Connacht are on a clear upward trajectory even if they fail to make the top eight next weekend.

Given that Roger Randle has always expressed his innocence of an alleged crime and has received the full backing of Clayton McMillan, he will surely be seeking financial compensation from this poorly-handled affair.

But now Leo Cullen's men must eradicate the type of vulnerability experienced in the closing stages of a brilliant Champions Cup semi-final.

The province may need to hit rock bottom before the recalibration required to change things is fully addressed.

Leinster find themselves firmly in the hunt for silverware but questions still remain whether they can get the job done.