Questions over Ulster’s character now put to bed

The drama and uncertainty surrounding the make up of the Heineken Cup quarter-finals extended through to the final game of round six in Clermont-Ferrand.

Mon, 20 Jan, 2014 - 00:00

Donal Lenihan

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

Given European rugby’s current mess — an announcement confirming the structure of a 20-team Heineken Cup excluding the English clubs is expected shortly — I wonder how long it will be before we will again experience the adrenaline rush that accompanies the final weekend of pool action.

Though six teams were assured of their place in the quarter-finals coming into this weekend’s action and all eight qualified by Saturday evening, there was still so much to be decided with every try scored by those harbouring ambitions of a crucial home draw having the potential to alter the permutations.