Stuart Barnes looks ahead to Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-finals in the context of the latest domestic performances.
Here's all the talking points ahead of a hugely exciting week...
1. There are more ways to skin the proverbial cat than just the one. Watching the weekend's rugby across the respective leagues was a reminder of the contrast to be found within rugby union. I was in Limerick for the early evening game between Munster and the Scarlets.
The champions played with width and ambition for the first 20 minutes. Munster were hanging on at 0-7. Slowly but surely they ground their way back into the game. They scrummaged the visitors into the dirt. From this position of dominance they were able to take control of the game's tempo and territory. By full-time they were in complete control.
2. Wind the clock forward to Sunday and the Leicester scrum - after a few early setbacks - had Wasps where they wanted them. Wasps, unlike the Scarlets, found themselves behind early on but scorched their way into the lead with some typically slick attacking play.
But the tortoise caught up with the hare. This was a tight, thrilling game, with forward power, especially at the scrum, winning the day. It is the singular beauty of rugby union. The wholly different way to win a game. It was a pleasure to call the game at Thomond Park, a treat to sit at home and watch Leicester-Wasps on Sunday afternoon.
3. Whether Munster would have derived much pleasure from watching Toulon's 49-0 victory over Clermont Auvergne is rather more debatable. I know that Clermont have endured a dreadful season on the domestic front and are fully focused on nothing but the Champions Cup but still, this was impressive stuff from the three-time European champions.
Even before the weekend's action kicked off, I had Munster versus Toulon down as a thriller. By tea time Sunday night I was even more convinced. Munster remain the bookmakers' favourites as they should with their home record. But if they are off their game as they were for 20 or 30 minutes Saturday, there may be no way back. Toulon went very close to winning in Llanelli in round six. Don't bet against another nail-biter Saturday.
4. The headline quarter-final takes place a day later in Dublin. Leinster, top seeds, favourites, loaded with Grand Slam stars, take on Saracens, double European champions going for a hat-trick of trophies. One of the most interesting subplots to this game is preparation, which side has had the best?
Bar Owen Farrell fighting against injury, the Saracens England contingent played their part. Maro Itoje and his 'sleeping' celebration was much in the news. In contrast (this column seems fixated on the subject), Leinster rested the majority of their Grand Slam team. Are Saracens going to be match ready/exhausted and the home side short on preparation/fresh? The smart money has to be on Leinster.
Although a strong shadow team went down to the Ospreys in Swansea, they are unbeaten in Europe, their players are on a roll and the Aviva is a significant home advantage. Saracens have appeared more vulnerable this season. The two defeats at the hands of Clermont notable as well as the struggles with the Ospreys have rubbed away their aura of invincibility. A win in Dublin will, I reckon, be their finest win in Europe.
5. While the Scarlets were losing - without a substantial core of their team - La Rochelle were winning against Bordeaux. The darlings of the competition in the early stages have struggled in France and Europe of late but consecutive victories will have given them a timely confidence boost.
However, the way they clambered into the quarter-finals hinted at a team delighted to have made the knockout stages at the first attempt. In contrast (another!) the Scarlets have not come back from the brink at pool stage to go out at home in the quarter-finals. This is knockout rugby and their semi-final and final wins against Munster and Leinster in Ireland last season will stand them in good stead. I'll be surprised if the Welsh team don't make the semi-finals.
6. That leaves the fourth quarter-final, Clermont versus Racing 92. Like the Munster match, you can see this one live on Sky Sports.
Substitute Sunday lunch for an early brunch, open a bottle of bubbly and hope the return of Clermont's core of forwards can spark them into life. With Wesley Fofana back and Damien Penaud too, they have the ability to score superb tries. Coming on late in the rout in Toulon was Camille Lopez. If he clicks... ah, but it is a decent enough sized if.
They were awful on Sunday and have become used to losing. Even home advantage should not put Racing off. They are winning where the Vulcans are losing but are hardly the most impressive of teams to reach this stage in Europe. In glimpses, you can see why they are chasing Montpellier at the top end of the French league. But only in glimpses.
Clermont near their best win this one but who knows if the mountain men are ready to even make it past base camp? It is a game that is really hard to call.
7. In the Challenge Cup I wasn't that excited when I saw we had Edinburgh versus the Blues as one of our two quarter-final picks but all that has changed.
Between them, these teams have reeled off 11 straight victories. Edinburgh have surged into the PRO14 playoff positions while the Blues are pushing hard. Something has to give. I like the Edinburgh pack, especially their backrow. Richard Cockerill is doing an excellent job.
8. Keep an eye on the young Blues fly-half, Jarrod Evans. He was outstanding against Ulster on Saturday. He sees the gap and has the speed and skill to snake into it, creating carnage and tries. His game created even more of an impression on the eye than Ieuan Evans' fetching thespian jacket. That is saying something.
9. What a great effort for the Falcons to get 30,000 fans into St James' Park. The sport is alive and kicking in the North East as Dean Richards' team sit, surprisingly to many, in the Premiership play-off positions.
They didn't play that well against Northampton but eked out another win. It will surprise me if they cannot maintain their winning ways against a Brive team primarily focused in the fight against relegation.
10. My tip for the rugby headlines in seven days' time? Stuart Lancaster's the predominant name in the English rugby pages if Leinster down the champions, Saracens. Never mind that he is head coach and not director of rugby. He will be the story, albeit a modest and reluctant one.
Enjoy the weekend, it could be special. I'll go as far as to guarantee something out of the top drawer at Thomond Park... see you there.