That pack of four - Scarlets, Munster, Glasgow and Leinster -  could become five after Monday's encounter between Dragons and Ospreys where a victory would put the Swansea outfit back into the mix to get a crack at retaining their title.

Realistically, Ulster are home 'n hosed. Three of their next four Rabo games are in Ravenhill, two of those against the Italian sides. So only an implosion of seismic strength could see them miss the play offs.

That leaves five sides chasing the three remaining play off places while Benetton Treviso, in seventh spot, nine points off fourth placed Glasgow, should see their ambition dented after three successive away games, the last of those against Leinster at the RDS.

Next Saturday January 5th: Munster v Cardiff Blues, Musgrave Park. KO: 7.30pm.