As a statement of intent from the Welsh side it was very impressive given they produced that performance just three days after suffering the crushing disappointment of a Heineken Cup quarter final defeat in San Sebastian.

It also means they are firmly focussed on Magners glory and unlike the team above them, Leinster - who they play on Friday - and Munster immediately below, they will be able to use full strength sides in their remaining games.

Effectively, Munster are now among a pack of three, chasing two play-off spots and have the tougher run-in compared with Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

That starts on Sunday in Galway where they face a Connacht side who know that a repeat of the victory they achieved last year, will put them on the same points mark as Ulster and leave Heineken Cup qualification within their grasp, possibly to be decided in the final game in Ravenhill.