Irish keep reputations intact

WITH phase two of the Heineken Cup pool stages now completed, the Irish sides can look forward to the Christmas break with reputations intact.

In theory, with two rounds of pool games to go, 18 of the 24 sides that set out in the competition have a mathematical chance of progressing to the knockout stages. In terms of outright winners, only a handful have a realistic hope.

Last weekend, Ulster regained some lost pride with an outstanding victory over Stade Francais in Ravenhill. Given they were drawn in a very difficult group along with the Parisiens, Gloucester and the Cardiff Blues, it was always going to be difficult. Victory last Saturday has presented them with a lifeline.