It is the halfway stage of the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup 2012/13 campaigns and Amlin Rugby Ambassador Lawrence Dallaglio gives his half term report...
We are now half way through the Pool stages and this second weekend of back-to-back games is set up superbly across both European tournaments.
The stark contrast in Round 3 was the form of the French and Welsh sides.
In the Heineken Cup all of the Welsh outfits lost whilst Biarritz Olympique were the only French team not to pick up a victory.
With the weather closing in on these short winter days the teams that can keep hold of the ball, defend well and take their opportunities when they arise will benefit most.
In the Amlin Challenge Cup my former team London Wasps face a winner takes all clash against Bayonne at Adams Park. James Cannon was a key player for them last weekend in France and he makes the Amlin Opta Index team of the round.
Overall a third of the team of the week is made up of players competing in the Amlin Challenge Cup which shows just how strong the competition is.
Ulster Rugby maintained their amazing form in 2012/13 by claiming a vital away win at Northampton Saints and if they can secure victory in the reverse home fixture then a place in the knock-out stages looks certain.
Rory Best has been in great form for them in this campaign and as well as featuring in the top 10 forwards of the season he is also ranked as the leading defensive player in European club rugby this season.
The Ulsterman has completed all 33 tackles he has attempted and also won a competition high nine turnovers in his 235 minutes of action so far.