The message is clear: the scrum is back

SATURDAY sees the culmination of the domestic competitions in this part of the world with the Magners League, Guinness Premiership and the French Top 14 championship all up for grabs.

It is interesting to note that none of the six teams involved in those three deciders managed to reach the Heineken Cup final adding credence to Guy Noves’ assertion that it is becoming impossible to compete on both fronts.

Of that sextet, only Leinster managed to advance as far as the European semi-finals.