I'm not going to get too hung up on Saturday, Toulouse proved what a top side they are, we had a short turnaround and a tough week and the backlash was pretty much expected. Having said that once again there were some worrying signs that we have seen all year, scoreless second half, defensive lapses etc.

These have to be sorted and we have to start winning matches in the Rabo, that is what Lam was brought into do and so far he's failed. My big worry is that some of the lads will need a break and we don't have the depth we'd like.

Given where we are I'd say we have to win two out of the next three, can't see it happening though sadly. Despite producing the finest win we've ever had the clock is ticking for Lam, Dragons have improved a lot this year and the two interpros will be tough as always, especially Leinster after last year, reckon they'll come looking for revenge and Munster gunning for top spot. Think the pessimism here so far is fully justified given what we've seen up to now. Realistic to say we'll still be rooted to the bottom with one win come the next H Cup matches.

Well for the November international window I said we needed to win all three. So I'll shut up!

Fair assessment I think. The dragons game has to be targeted for a win. The marketing boys should be doing their bit today and rest of week to sell it as such. Perhaps combine it with Leinster game for 40 euro or something. Leinster game as its at home also needs to be targeted.
Munster are top of table, are far stronger in every dept than last season, and want home venue for semis and final in this comp. They are at home in TP. Of course stranger things have happened.

Looking at the fixtures list there appears to be three rabo games between now and the next heineken cup. Everyone is rightly excited at the gameplan shown in Toulouse but can it continue?

The next game up is Dragons at home, that seems like a chance to put points on the board but they've had two easy Amlin weeks, whereas Connacht have had two bruising games and a serious virus to contend with. The preparation for both teams is nowhere equal - this game will be hard. Rotation is vital for Connacht but will they be able to compete against a Dragons team who are showing decent form in the league this year?

Then next up is Munster in Thomond and Leinster in the Sportsground, again neither of them are close to gimmes. I would love to see Conn win in Limerick this year and there is the possibility that a few players will be rested on their side but its going to be tough. Leinster at home has been one of the key games in past years but you can't just expect or even hope for a tbp every year against them.

Pessimist conclusion - despite all the good work we've seen from the team and despite a developing gameplan and improvement in numerous areas, we could be going into the next Heineken game against Zebre without a win in the league bar the striped ones. Is this a fair assessment or hopelessly pessimistic? I really want to be proven wrong.