Magners League taking over

I think the weekends Heineken Cup fixtures were as pure example that we are likely to see that the Guiness Premiership is being eclipsed by the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Magners league.

High flying sale were dumped in their back yard by a dogged but yet classy and potent Munster side.

Reigning premiership champions and twice winners of the European trophy London Wasps were dismantled by a Leinster side that made it look like men against boys.

And Gloucester were soundly beaten by an upbeat Cardiff side at the Millennium stadium.

Even Baths very hard thought win against Gwent Dragons will be remembered for the unbelievable defensive display from the welsh side.

The only saving grace the English sides can take from the weekend was Harlequins drubbing of Ulster, who have for the record consistently finished bottom of the Magners League.

But the question is why has a league renowned for it's intensity, competiveness and unmistakeable quality fallen so badly to a division generally considered lesser than the Guniess premiership?

For me the English teams haven't grasped the new RFU rules quick enough, whereas other sides have pounced and relished the new playing conditions.

Wasps coach Shaun Edwards said after the game on Saturday: "We are really struggling with the new rules, they are killing us at the moment."

Wasps have always been a side very physical, good pack and dogged in defence, but the new rules favour open expansive rugby, placing emphasis on pace and flair.

If this is the case we may see English teams struggle in Europe for a few more years yet, English sides don’t necessarily win games because of their fluency passing out of hand and their offloads in the tackle.

English sides are good at keeping games tight and seeing them through, playing the territory game with emphasis on kicking out of hand.

The new rules certainly don’t favour that approach and English sides are beginning to be found out, my bold prediction is that England certainly won’t be getting to too many world cup finals in the near future.