Ok, I think we can all agree that one or two French players have been pacing themselves a little in this most important and taxing of years and that for once French players are not being rushed back by demanding owners.
There is a bigger picture and perhaps as a result not all the T14 clubs were maxed out in the pool stages of the Champions Cup. Even mighty Toulouse seemed to be doing “just enough” to these eyes.
And yes the English Premiership hasn't had its misfortunes to seek and the £5m salary cap (plus marquee players) brings its challenges when competing against much wealthier franchises and clubs in Ireland and France. But it really is time to acknowledge the growing excellence of the United Rugby Championship.
The URC, bolstered by its South African contingent, claimed eight of the 16 places available in the Champions Cup which is as many as the French and English leagues combined. Furthermore, in the Challenge Cup the URC provided eight of the 12 teams that progressed automatically to the Round of 16, to be joined by the best four teams who didn't make it out of the Champions Cup pool.
The old PRO12 was always much stronger than was given credit but the URC is now reaching new heights. The Top 14 and Premiership be warned.
