Welsh rugby heading into a deep valley

On a weekend when defeat for all four Irish sides in Europe was not beyond the bounds of possibility, a return of three from four with a losing bonus point procured from the only defeat was exceptional considering the quality of opposition faced.

Connacht’s outstanding win over Biarritz, given their injury woes, was the result of the weekend for me, with Ulster’s demolition of Northampton at Franklins Gardens the most impressive performance. Munster once again nodded to their heritage with a top ranked English side dispatched with typical belligerence. The personnel may change but the attitude and commitment to the cause remains as strong and as forceful as ever.

After a slow and fractured start to their season, Leinster quickly dispelled suggestions they are not the force they were despite being severely compromised in their back-line options due to injury. Clermont Auvergne have become accustomed to bashing teams at home for 50 minutes before unleashing a potent attacking force on a fractured and drained visiting defence. Sitiveni Sivivatu, Napolioni Nalaga, Wesley Fofana and Aurelian Rougerie have learned to bide their time, safe in the knowledge that the space will open up in the final quarter.