There were standout performances from players from all four provinces during the autumn internationals and, as a result, Irish rugby is on a high. No better competition than the former Heineken Cup to burst that bubble!

Northampton v Leinster

Unusually, we have a game on Friday night (7.45pm, BT Sport) to look forward to as Leinster travel to Franklin Gardens to take on Northampton in a game that could make or break the province’s continental aspirations.

Every team in this tricky pool has won and lost a game, winning at home while losing away. Leinster’s loss in Montpellier at the end of October seems like it was last season, so much has happened since, but we won’t forget that the visitors managed to grab a last-second bonus point, one that could prove vital when all the chips fall in the group.

That bonus point will only be worth something if Leinster go to England on Friday and take something from this game, and they are more than capable of collecting the four or five points on offer with a win.

Northampton will be beaten in the Aviva in the return leg eight days later, so a win this weekend could set up the pool for Leinster and for this they will need all hands on deck. It appears certain that Johnny Sexton will be out. He won’t be part of Leo Cullen’s plans for the next fortnight at least. The same is not true of Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney, both of whom could start on Friday. If Robbie Henshaw can also pass his concussion protocols, then Leinster are in business.

The Saints have a decent pack, led by fiery English captain Dylan Hartley and containing a couple of serious operators like Courtney Lawes and Louis Picamoles. They are struggling near the bottom of the English Premiership and it is noteworthy that only two Saints made the English squad for the autumn internationals: Hartley and squad member Teimana Harrison.

There are still a few recognisable names in the back division: George North, another with recent concussion difficulties; and Irish supporters will recognise one JJ Hanrahan, a player Munster wouldn’t mind having back. If the form lines running through Irish rugby are true right now, then this is a game that Leinster should win.

Munster v Leicester

The big game of the weekend for Irish rugby is a return to the good old days. Leicester come to Thomond Park and suggestions are it will be a full house; it’s on at prime time on Saturday (3.15pm, BT Sport) and all roads lead to Limerick. On the field, the Munster squad looks as strong as it has in some time, the returning Peter O’Mahony has definitely added the steel the province always need to compete, while behind the scrum the incision is back.

Since the tragedy of Anthony Foley’s loss back in mid-October, Munster have been energised and their supporters have been too. It is how each are coping. We want that to continue on Saturday, we need it to continue. However, I can’t help thinking that somewhere along this road never travelled Munster will hit the wall. Back-to-back games against old enemy Leicester should help to delay that inevitable day and having them at home first is a huge help. Hopefully they have enough in the tank.

Wasps v Connacht

Before a ball is kicked this weekend, three out of the four Irish provinces top their pools, Ulster being the bridesmaids. Connacht, possibly reeling from the news that Pat Lam is heading for the exit door at the end of the season, are away to Wasps (Sun 1pm, Sky Sports) and a bonus point loss wouldn’t hinder their playoff ambitions unduly.

The English side went to Toulouse and came away with a draw last time out and that represents black-type form, so the always brave Connacht are up against it in the Ricoh Arena. They will welcome back their international contingent, including newly discovered scrum-half/winger Kieran Marmion, who will be a key man this Sunday afternoon.

Connacht’s strengths under Lam are mostly seen in the pack and their ability to give the nine fast ball that can release the likes of Bundee Aki to make the initial thrusts. Masters at the pick and go, their mettle will be tested in Coventry. Hopefully they can respond to what has probably been a tough week and come away from this game with European hopes intact for a raucous return leg.

Ulster v Clermont

This leaves Ulster and an unenviable home tie against Clermont (Sat 1pm, Sky Sports), the French side top of the pool with two bonus-point wins. Ulster are struggling, having only a 19-18 home win against Exeter to show for their efforts; their season could go off the rails by 3pm this Saturday.

Of the four provinces, Ulster right now are the ones struggling. To get into contention to emerge from this pool, only week-on-week wins over the mighty Clermont will suffice. That’s a very tall order, even if their PRO12 form has improved. Les Kiss has his work cut out in Ravenhill, although a morale-boosting win on Saturday might kickstart the rest of their season. Two wins out of four would probably be a good return for Irish rugby this weekend. CL