For their part, Leinster raced 14 points clear thanks to an impressive 42-8 win over Treviso at the RDS last night. On 53 points now, their next game is again at home (v Scarlets) and last season 63 was enough to get Ospreys a semi final spot, though as things stand Leinster are firm favourites for a May home semi final.

Besides the current top four, Leinster, Ospreys, Warriors and Munster, it seems the other contenders for a place in the knock-outs will be Scarlets, Ulster and Cardiff Blues.

Cardiff Blues and Ulster have to visit Thomond Park while Munster travel to Parc y Scarlets for their RaboDirect PRO12 in mid April.