Bums on seats are vital to protect the fabric of Irish game

The return to the comforting familiarity of the Pro12 came as something of a relief for Leinster and Ulster from the tempestuous European waters they have been trying to navigate in recent weeks. Connacht, in contrast, have been riding the crest of a wave in the league and moving relatively comfortably in the Challenge Cup, while Munster were bonus point winners in their only European outing. But Friday's RDS meeting of fellow European strugglers Leinster and Ulster had an added edge and an unusually pressurised feel to it.