Wolfpuppies show their promise

The Ireland Under 20s got off to a great start with a big victory over Scotland. Mike Ruddock's side displayed  both forward dominance at times and threatened with their backline despite the poor weather conditions. The scoreline of 34-7 did not flatter them one but. It was a good opening, but there is a lot of room for improvement, most of which will come with better weather conditions.

Ross Byrne started the game kicking well, both clearing from his 22, and finding the corner when he needed to. Ireland's scrum took over from last year's impressive set piece, and it was an advantage that started making metres whenever either side had a put in. The second half changed things at scrumtime, with substitions strengthen Scotland to the point that they had the bigger pushes.

Despite boasting one of the best kicking percentages of all time in last year's Leinster Senior Cup competition, Gary Ringrose wasn't the designated kicker, with Ross Byrne nailing one from just inside the Scottish half to give Ireland the lead they deserved. The backrow had started well, with O'Donoghue in particular carrying very strongly, and Timmins proving a nuisance at the breakdown.

Sean O'Brien was guilty of giving away a few cheap penalties, especially just after Byrne had given Ireland the lead. Scotland chose not to take the points on offer, and Ireland's lineout, which was functioning well, managed another steal.

With the lineout going well, and the scrum getting some big shoves on, it was heartening to see Ireland's backline looking threatening, especially when Byrne had runners coming from all angles and Robb running hard and start. While Byrne added another penalty after one wayward kick, with 20 minutes gone it wasn't unreasonable to say that 6-0 to Ireland flattered Scotland, and that Ireland were a guilty of being wasteful in possession. Near the half hour mark though, another big push at scrumtime lead to a turnover, and after some renewed patience going through the phases, no. 8 Jack O'Donoghue was able to squeeze over to give Ireland a lead they deserved.

Ireland's defense was the only other aspect of their play to be tested, and Scotland got some possession in Ireland's territory. Ireland put in some huge effort into their Gandalf defense, and after a number of phases were able to force the turnover and clear the ball. Ireland's halfbacks, who grew up playing together in school, where keeping the Scottish defense honest, with both not afraid to take the ball on, and bring runners into play. It was a matter of time before Ireland scored again, and on the stroke of halftime, Peadar Timmins gave Ireland some cushion. Again, Ireland had showed some good patience going through the phases and not forcing offloads. Byrne added the conversion for a half time score of 20-0.

Jack O'Donoghue, a deserved man of the match, picked up where he left off in the second half, with a strong carry, that also featured a lovely Leavy offload in the same phase. Ireland were running hard at Scotland, and the impressive David Busby did well to get his hands free for another offload to keep things moving. The weather was starting to take its toll though, with audible squelching and some slipping taking over the game.

Ireland were still in control though, and while more great patience lead to Max Abbott being denied by the TMO, Scotland's strange reluctance to clear brought more chances. In fact, this was when the scrum dominance shifted, with Scotland winning two consecutive scrums against the head. Ireland didn't let this phase them however, with a maul from the resulting clearance kick bringing play right back into the Scotland 22 having gained nearly 20m. This pressure eventually told, and a quick free kick from Jack O'Donoghue brought his second of the night, and a 27-0 lead. This was to be O'Donoghue's last act as he seemed to twist his knee awkwardly and could be doubtful for the rest of the competition.

Substitutions and the weather seemed to disrupt the flow of the game from this point, and Ireland seemed to lose momentum. Scotland were growing in confidence at their newfound scrum dominance and decided to take a 5m scrum when awarded a penalty. Yet again the Irish defense held out, and eventually a big clearance kick from the excellent Ross Byrne and a great chase from winger Ian Fitzpatrick lead to a try for replacement prop Oisin Heffernan. Credit must got to Ian Fitzpatrick for his role here, with a big hit and good chase when it would have been easier to shut off, in what wasn't a night for wingers.

It was a positive opening from the Irish 20s, although a late consolation try from Scotland blotted their copybook somewhat. Jack O'Donoghue was the pick of the players, with good showings from David Busby and Ross Byrne too. Dan Leavy and Sean O'Brien gave tiny glimpses into their immense potential but overall the team can look forward to going into next week's game against Wales with confidence.

Warmup or Trials?

Joe Schmidt has two options for his Wolfhounds team to face England Saxons on Saturday. With a number of first team contenders returning from injury, will they get match time, or will young edge of squad players finally be looked at?

The biggest area of concern will be on the wing, and with Tommy Bowe out until England at least, and Earls probably out there is a need for players to get some match fitness in. Both Gilroy and Zebo weren't included in the original 42 man squad before they "proved" fitness, and they may get the nod for Saturday, although neither Fitzgerald or Trimble were involved last November either, so to suggest that they are straight into the squad for the 6 Nations could be seen as strange. McFadden also hasn't played since November and is a Schmidt favourite, but with Marshall and D'Arcy the only 12s in the squad, Schmidt could use McFadden's versatility to get as many match fit options out wide as possible.

There will also be a battle between Henshaw and Cave for the back up spot behind O'Driscoll. Whoever wins this audition is likely to see some time this championship as the great one is preserved for the bigger challenges.

Ian Madigan hasn't started since the start of the month, and since Jackson kicked on after November, Madigan is probably 3rd choice, although he could see some time in coming weeks too. Ian Keatley is dragging himself back in contention, but may have to settle for a place on the bench to make sure Madigan is fit and firing.

This may end up being a moot point once we find out about Marmion's citing, but given the traditional strength of the Saxons, Schmidt may want a competitive edge to this Wolfhounds squad, and may pair Madigan with his provincial partner in Isaac Boss, leaving Marmion to wait to be locked into the Irish national team.

This combination thoughts are continued in the pack, with an all Munster front row, and an all Ulster second row. Schmidt may go with Herring at hooker to pair up with Tuohy and Henderson. With only 3 looseheads in the squad, Kilcoyne is a clear favourite to start here, with McGrath probably being saved to back up his club mate Healy.

Second row will be a tight battle between Toner and McCarthy, with the loser coming off the bench here, and probably on the bench in future 6 nations game now that Donnacha Ryan has been further sidelined.

The back row will be interesting. Will Schmidt go with a straight audition between O'Donnell and Henry for the final openside spot? Will Jordi Murphy be deservedly rewarded with a Wolfhounds cap? Diack, Ruddock and Copeland are having great seasons and could see an opportunity here to go for a bench spot in the 6 Nations.

Whatever the case, it's clear that the Wolfhounds has many benefits for Ireland, it's just a pity that there is only one game yet again.

Likely 23:
15. Jones
14. Gilroy
13. Henshaw
12. McFadden
11. Zebo
10. Madigan
9. Boss
1. Kilcoyne
2. Varley
3. Archer
4. Henderson
5. Tuohy
6. Ruddock
7. Murphy
8. Copeland

16. Herring
17. McGrath
18. Moore
19. McCarthy
20. Diack
21. Marmion
22. Keatley
23. Cave

TMO Review: Is there clear and obvious forward progression?

One sporting story that happened to cross the threshold from one sport to another last year was the Luis Suarez biting incident. On 21st April 2013, Luis Suarez bit Branislav Ivanovic. The incident was seen by millions around the world on replays within seconds. Suarez was later banned as the disciplinary commission regarded it as more than a red card offense. However, the officials at the game missed the incident, and Suarez stayed on the pitch, later scoring a late equaliser.

This is what the extended powers for the TMO in rugby are trying to address. If an act of foul play has been committed against a team, surely they should get most of the rewards for it (playing against one less man for a period of time) instead of the beneficiaries being the oppositions following opponents when a player is retrospectively banned. In short, the idea behind a TMO looking at foul play is brilliant and I'm all for it; but not in it's current form.

Rugby has become a lot more stop start in it's nature this season, with the primary cause being referees who are becoming too scared to make a call themselves without checking with the TMO. The game is drifting towards the pedestrian pace of American Football, and while that's exciting, a free flowing rugby game is what the audience has come to see.

One feature of the foul play TMO checking that has irritated me most is when the TMO themselves intervene to stop play, and then spend several minutes checking the footage to conclude that nothing happened. If the TMO thinks they have seen something, why not check it BEFORE they tell the referee to stop play and have the right angle ready for the referee should they wish to view it? So instead of taking several minutes to potentially look at something, it takes 30 seconds to view something definitely worth checking.

This could be extended so that the referee tells the TMO to check something while the play continues, just like the referee notices a touch judges flag and plays on, before going back to check.

Referee's are only human, and any way that helps them, like the use of a video referee should be encouraged, but not when it takes away from the spectacle.

Meet the Wolfpuppies 2014

I tweeted as I scanned through the 28 man squad that Mike Ruddock named as his Ireland Under 20 squad for the 6 Nations that I thought that this was a very talented group of players. The more I look into it, the more convinced I am that there will be a large group of professional players from the class of 2014.

That is a very very strong #Wolfpuppies squad. More excited for that than the 6 Nations. Preview to come this evening.
— BallHandling Hooker (@BHHooker) January 15, 2014

A feature of Mike Ruddock Under 20 teams is their organisation, and their ability to come together as a team to achieve results that far exceed the sum of their parts. This more often than not happens in the Junior World Cup, after a "getting to know you" period in the 6 Nations. That should temper the expectations a little, that and knowing that both Wales and England have named very very strong squads too, with England especially the favourites for this upcoming 6 Nations, as usual. A large number of their World Cup winning squad are eligible again this year, chief among them the talented spear tacklist Ross Moriarty. They will however, be without Anthony Watson, who will be with the senior squad, while Jonny Gray will also be needed for the senior Scotland squad. In fact a large number of Ireland's squad featured for the then 19s in their one point loss to England Under 19s last year in Donnybrook.

Another feature of Ireland Under 20 teams is how much smaller physically they are compared to their peers. Aside from man-beasts Dan Leavy and Jack O'Donoghue, this is no different this year and expect the English in particular to be physically superior.

One weakness of last year's group was their lack of a true kicker, with Tom Daly improving enough by the World Cup to achieve some remarkable results. His injury and the lack of a kicker was cruelly exposed to put a dampener on what was a great start to the tournament. That won't happen this time though, with both Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon excellent placekickers. One imagines though that both will be backing up the points machine that is Gary Ringrose after his flawless kicking display in last year's Leinster Schools Senior Cup campaign. Billy Dardis is also a back up option after he took the kicks for Terenure in their schools cup run last year.

A side note, it's interesting to note how many players you will read about here feature in this Ireland U18 squad from two years ago.

At full back, Ruddock has a number of options, with each able to play on the wing, it may end up with all in the team. First up is the amazingly talented Billy Dardis. Four players were mentioned as players of the Leinster School Senior Cup last year, with Terenure's Dardis being one of them. His performance's earned him a spot in the Leinster academy, and the Under 19 eligible player will surely be one of the first names on Ruddock's teamsheet. His pace and electrifying step has caught the eye of Tony Ward, who called for him to be called up to the full Ireland squad last November. One to watch then. However, Dardis's introduction to the 6 Nations will be a bit delayed, as he has a small hamstring problem. Also at full back is the talented Cian Kelleher and Munster academy back Alex Wootton. Wootton was called up to the JWC squad to replace Daly after his injury, and impressed me in this limited time on the wing. Watching Kelleher, it's obvious that he has talent, and that he's been one of the best players in his age group for many years. His pace and step rivals Dardis's, and is the scorer of one of the best live tries I've ever seen when he ghosted through 7 would be tacklers after fielding a clearance kick. It was one of those "Wait, What just happened" moments. He is all too aware of his talents though, and is liable to be selfish, and takes the ball on himself a few too many times. I've no doubt that he will end up with an academy contract in Leinster, and when he does the coaching will aid his passing and decision making and Ireland could have a star. A long way to go yet.

If Dardis gets the full back slot as expected when he returns, Kelleher and Wootton will be fighting for wing spots with Ian Fitzpatrick from Lansdowne and a feature in representative sides up to this point, David Busby from Ulster, who will be lining out with the Ravens this weekend, and Adam Byrne. Byrne is returning from last year's squad and can also play at outside centre. A former Manchester United academy player, his late taking up with the game is obvious with his defensive displays, but his talent is huge and a space for him in the team will probably be found on the wing. A rare combination of pace and power, Byrne is the youngest player to ever represent Leinster. Once he learns the game he only took up when he was 16, the world better watch out. Ian Fitzpatrick featured on the Ireland 19s last year and will be close to a spot too, especially with his Lansdowne links to Ruddock. It was a bit of a surprise not to see Munster academy players David Johnston or Greg O'Shea (U19), and Ulster Raven Ross Adair.. O'Shea especially is a talented back, has been starting for Shannon this season, is a former sprinter and will definitely be in the squad next year.

The video below shows schools highlights from last year, which should feature a sample of the dazzling skills of Dardis (2.35 &7.00), and a sideshow of Sean O'Brien, Rory Moloney (6.00) and Harrison Brewer.

With Rory O'Loughlin constantly battling injuries, and Adam Byrne staying on the wing as expected, it's a bit of a surprise that Ruddock hasn't included Connacht academy and New Zealand born Rory Parata in his squad. Parata is another pacey customer, who has the Kiwi knowledge and intelligence in his game and can't be ruled out for the summer championships. The players Ruddock is left with are Gary Ringrose, Dan Goggin, Harrison Brewer and Peter Robb. Despite his father, Brewer is a talented player in his own right. He was smashing people backwards at schools level in the back row, and since his conversion to the centre a la Jordan Coughlan, Richie Vernon and hopefully CJ Stander, he's still smashing people, albeit now, hopefully with a bit more poise and skill. It will be interesting to see how his passing skills have improved playing in the backline. It is worth noting that Brewer will be eligible for Ireland U-20s next season as well. Ringrose as mentioned is a points machine who doesn't miss kicks, while I don't think I've seen a more hyped up player on boards.ie that Peter Robb. He is one player I am looking forward to seeing for the first time, while Dan Goggin is also a name I'm not familar with, but seems to be a talented outside centre.  We wait in hope.The competition for centres is clearly fierce, with Trinity's German born Sebastian Fromm, a Clongowes Wood schools star also missing out. He may be one to watch later in the year. As is Rory Parata, who improved enough in one year to reject an academy place in Munster to stay with Nigel Carolan and the productive Connacht academy. Robb and Goggin started in the recent U20s game with Leinster development with Ringrose on the bench. Ross Adair is one of only two backs in that matchday 23 not involved in the squad.

I've mentioned Ross Byrne and Conor McKeon already, yet I'm astounded that Munster's Gearoid Lyons wasn't involved. His display in last year's Munster Senior Cup final was one of the best I've seen from an outhalf, and will be one to watch next year at under 20 level. That's if he can stave off the pressure that Ross Byrne applies to him next year too. Byrne played for the Ireland U19s last month against the Australian schools and will have another year at this level. Already in the Leinster academy, the battle between himself and McKeon at representative level has been going on for years, with Byrne just about getting more starts. The reports from the schools cup last year had McKeon as the outstanding outhalf, yet Byrne was able to guide St. Michael's to within 5 minutes of the cup. His distributon skills and game management are peerless at this level. It's obvious he is one of the generation that grew up watching Ronan O'Gara play rugby. McKeon relies more on his attacking ability, and doesn't bring in his backline as well as Byrne. It will be a fascinating battle between the highly talented pair.

At scrumhalf, the Blackrock College sensation from last year, Charlie Rock isn't included, his place going instead to Ireland U18 captain from last year Nick McCarthy, and Caolin Blade, who was very impressive at under 19 level last year, and Ryan Foley from Munster aren't included, with Munster U19 academy scrumhalf Jack Cullen getting the nod. Ryan Foley, along with Adair, has been surprisingly dropped from the U20s since the recent game v Leinster in which both McCarthy and Rock played for that development Leinster side. Given that McCarthy and Byrne played 9 and 10 together in school, that may give both of them the advantage when it comes to the starting pairings.

Returning loosehead prop Peter Dooley is the highlight of the front row, which might struggle to reach the heights of last summer where it dominated against the bigger packs of New Zealand and Australia. Jacob Walshe is a technically strong scrummager, and Rory Burke will have benefitted from the Munster academy, although they were no match for Ivan Soroka in that recent Leinster match, although there is no place for Soroka in this squad. Denis Coulson and Richie Allen (can't mention Coulson and Allen without showing this outstanding try, also featuring Cian Kelleher) are two other front rowers not involved, their places going to Max Abbott, who has appeared for Munster A this season, and Oisin Heffernan. Saba Meunargia, Connacht's Georgian born acadmey tighthead also misses out to Shane Delahunt, who gets the last front row spot on the squad. RBAI's former captain Josh Atkinson who has featured for the Ravens this year is another to miss out.

Munster's academy second row John Madigan misses out due to injury, while Ulster's Marc Campbell misses out altogether after appearing from the bench in that Leinster development game. Their places go to former St. Michael's captain Ross Molony of the Leinster academy, Stephen Gardiner, with Connacht's Sean O'Brien and a returnee from last year, Peader Timmins able to cover 2nd row and back row. Molony reminds me a lot of Craig Clarke, a fantastic but unassuming leader, who is technically sound and possess an intelligent rugby brain. His try in the Senior Cup final involved a great awareness of space and backing himself to run a good line. He captained the Leinster 20s this year in Dan Leavy's absence, while Sean O'Brien captained the Connacht 20s. One thing is for sure, with Rory Moloney also captaining Ireland 19s last month, there will be plenty of leaders in this squad to help Leavy.

As is the case with the senior provinces in the country, the competition for back row places will be fierce. One of Timmins or O'Brien will have to be accomodated in the 2nd row, while the other joins Leavy in the back row. That leaves one spot available between Rory Moloney, Jack O'Donoghue and Ulster academy openside Frankie Taggart. It's no wonder back row starts like Lorcan Dow of Ulster's academy or Josh Murphy from UCD weren't involved. Ruddock will have a headache or two first cutting one of those from the 28 man squad for the matchday squad, and then deciding who his starting team is. If there is one reason to watch the 20s this season, it's Dan Leavy. Described as the best backrow prospect at this stage of his development in the Leinster academy since the dawn of the professional era, Leavy has that rare combination of pace, power, breakdown skills, soft hands and great link play to become a prototypical seven. He won the star of a talent packed Schools cup final in 2012 and was the difference between the teams on the day. When he appeared in the JWC last summer, it was obvious that he had added some fantastic breakdown skills to his bow. It's frightening to think how good he is now, and how good he can get. Leinster may have huge depth in the backrow, but I suspect Leavy will break into the squad next season at the latest.

One thing is for certain; this is a strong group of players, with more talented backups left out then ever before. This year's Wolfpuppies seem to have depth in a lot of areas, and led by Dan Leavy, they should do well. A number of players will realise they are fighting for academy contracts, while others will be using this as a stepping stone to senior recognition sooner rather than later. I would expect a lot of this group to be starting in their province in the next few years, a lot more than last year's group. We'll wait and see

Expected (Note the difference between expected and my) 23:

15. Billy Dardis
14. Adam Byrne
13. Dan Goggin
12. Peter Robb
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Ross Byrne
9. Nick McCarthy
1. Peter Dooley
2. Max Abbott
3. Ryan Burke
4. Ross Molony
5. Sean O'Brien
6. Peader Timmins
7. Dan Leavy (c)
8. Jack O'Donoghue

Subs:
16. Shane Delahunt
17. Jacob Walshe
18. Oisin Heffernan
19. Stephen Gardiner
20. Rory Moloney
21. Jack Cullen
22. Conor McKeon
23. Gary Ringrose.

Each Round 6 games implications

Friday 8pm. Pool 1.

Leinster (17) v Ospreys (5)

Northampton (13) v Castres (9)

Nothing in this pool is confirmed other than both Ospreys and Castres are out, with the best Castres can hope for is an unlikely 2nd place. If they were to finish 2nd by winning 5-0 on matchpoints, it's very likely that they will be the 6th best runners up and out of Europe anyway.

For Northampton it's simple, they need a bonus point win to finish on 18, and hope Leinster get nothing at home to Ospreys. If they finish on the same number of points, Leinster go through with a better head to head record (5-4). Northampton are still alive in the race for second place, but are relying on other results to go their way.

That game is Saracens v Connacht. A Saracens win denies Northampton completely. A draw means that Saints on 13 points could give Cardiff a try total to match with a bonus point win. A win for Saints in this case means that Cardiff can go through with a bonus point win, or if they overhaul Northamptons one try advantage over them. This case would open the door for Harlequins and Edinburgh to record bonus point victories and leapfrog them, but more on that later. A Connacht victory with no bonus point puts them in the equation, but due to their disadvantage in the try scoring column it's unlikely. A Connacht win with a try bonus means that Northampton have to get a bonus themselves, and score two tries less than Connacht or more. Got that? Me neither.

Leinster will be looking to finish with as many points as possible, in their unlikely bid for a home quarter. They'll need two of Toulon, Toulouse, Clermont and Munster to slip up for that to happen.

Saturday 1.35 Pool 3

Saracens (15) v Connacht (13)

Zebre (0) v Toulouse (19)

A Toulouse losing bonus point or more confirms them as pool winners. Anything less, and a Saracens bonus point win will see them top. In that case, Toulouse will still be the second best runner up.

As mentioned before, Saracens v Connacht is the key game of the round. A Saracens win and they are through as second best runner up. Unless Toulouse get nothing from Zebre, or Ulster pulverise Leicester and Saracens get a bonus point, which lifts them to best runners up.

A draw between Connacht and Saracens eliminates Connacht, and opens the door for the other 2nd placed teams, as does a draw with a Saracens try bonus point (18), but Saracens have a significant lead in the try scoring stakes (18).

Connacht can go through with a win, if Northampton fail to win, which they will know already, or if Cardiff lose, which they won't. Or if Harlequins and Edinburgh fail to get the bonus point, which they won't know. A bonus point increases their chances, and allows Northampton to win without a bonus and still have Connacht through. Connacht will already know what Northampton do. Cardiff will need a bonus point win in the game immediately after this one. Everything hinges on this game.

Saturday 3.40 Pool 2

Cardiff (13) v Exeter (8)

Glasgow (10) v Toulon (20)

Toulon will win the group and can be seeded anywhere from 1st to 6th. A bonus point win means only Ulster or Leicester can beat them, giving them at least a 2nd seed, while a win can allow Clermont and Toulouse a chance to overhaul them, but would still give them 4th seed and a home quarter final. Anything less and Munster and Leinster have a chance to drop them down to an away quarter final.

Glasgow have no chance of finishing as one of the two best quarter finalists, but a win can secure them an Amlin Cup quarter final. 

Cardiff will already know what's at stage having watched Connacht and Northampton. Their scenarios have been discussed thoroughly already, Exeter are already free in April and May.

Saturday 6pm Pool 6

Leicester (20) v Ulster (22)

Montpeiller v Treviso

Both Montpeiller and Treviso are out of everything.

The winner at Welford Road will be hosting a quarter final with the loser as one of the two runners up. 

Leicester win, and Ulster are 7th seeds. Leicester could be anywhere from 1st to 4th seeds. A bonus point win for Leicester guarantees them one of the top 2 seeds.

Ulster win, Leicester are 7th or 8th depending only on Saracens, with Ulster definitely 1st seeds.

Draw sees Ulster with a home quarter, 1st to 4th, and Leicester are definite 7th seeds.

An unlikely Leicester win with two Ulster bonus points is the same as a draw.

Sunday 12.45pm Pool 6

Munster (18) v Edinburgh (12)

Perpignan (7) v Gloucester (9)

Perpignan are out and cannot make the Amlin quarters either. A win for Gloucester and a loss for Edinburgh keeps them in the hunt for an Amlin spot, but it will be unlikely. They will already know if Northampton, Cardiff, Saracens and Connacht have a spot, and will be posting a target for Harlequins for the last spot. Quins will not need much to overhaul them.

Munster will be hoping for a slipup from Toulon, Toulouse or Clermont, and are first in line to benefit with a home quarter final. A bonus point win aids them, and they will already know if thats enough to beat Toulouse or Toulon. Clermont play the following game and will know what they need to go ahead of Munster.

Edinburgh are in the hunt for a 2nd place, as long as Saracens slip up and Connacht, Northampton and Cardiff don't get try bonus points. If any of them win, they need a bonus point and to score more tries than all of those and Harlequins

Sunday 3pm Pool 4

Scarlets (10) v Harlequins (12)

Clermont (19) v Racing (7)

Racing are out of everything.

Scarlets could be out of everything at this stage, but there is a small chance that a win gets them into the Amlin quarters.

Harlequins need Saracens to slip up and Connacht, Northampton and Cardiff don't get try bonus points. If any of them win, they need a bonus point and to score more tries than all of those and Edinburgh.

Most likely:

1. Toulouse v Saracens
2. Toulon v Ulster
3. Leicester v Leinster
4. Clermont v Munster

Best results for Irish provinces:

In matchpoints:

Leinster 5-0 Ospreys
Saints 0-4 Castres
Saracens 0-5 Connacht
Toulouse 0-5 Zebre
Cardiff 0-4 Exeter
Glasgow 4-0 Toulon
Leicester 0-5 Ulster
Montpeiller 0-5 Treviso
Munster 5-0 Edinburgh
Perpignan 4-0 Gloucester
Scarlets 5-0 Harlequins
Clermont 1-5 Racing

Leading to

Ulster v Connacht
Munster v Leicester
Leinster v Toulouse
Toulon v Clermont

And yes, I know that isn't going to happen, but I can dream.