With three-quarters of the Irish Heineken Cup contingent occupying second place in their pools entering the second week of the crucial back-to-back fixtures, Penney, Schmidt and Elwood will be aware that this weekend could make or break their European season.

It will be no comfort to Declan Kidney as he prepares for a three-Test series in New Zealand but Sky Sports analyst Stuart Barnes believes the Ireland head coach has the hardest job in international rugby.

Airlines moved swiftly to increase the price of flights to London for the first ever all-Irish Heineken Cup final which will take place at Twickenham on May 19.