While Ulster and Connacht took comfortable wins in Europe, it was not a great weekend for Leinster and Munster.
Both sides lost their Champions Cup pool stage encounters to Harlequins and Clermont.
Former Leinster and Ireland winger Denis Hickie and ex-Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan joined us on Off The Ball tonight to talk through those defeats.
They started off by focusing on Leinster's issues as they struggle to get tries and maintain the high standards of old.
Hickie noted some positives for Leinster, highlighting the contributions of Rhys Ruddock, Jamie Heaslip and Sean Cronin.
Listen to the full analysis via the podcast player
But he felt Matt O'Connor's side were blunt in attack.
"The big issue and talking point is that Leinster haven't created a huge amount of chances to score tries," said Hickie, who also mused whether backline injuries have unsettled the side.
"I was scratching my head, thinking the gap isn't very big but I don't see how they're going to score a try to win this game, and that's not a feeling I've often had with Leinster in recent times."
O'Sullivan acknowledged the struggles with Leinster's tempo in their attacking game, although he expects them to beat Harlequins in the return match.
Thoughts also turned to Munster's loss at Thomond Park and O'Sullivan felt that the province never looked like breaking the French side down.
"Clermont's defence was phenomenal. Outstanding. At the same time, you'd have to say Munster didn't really ask questions of them."
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