This weekend has seen some of the most intense, gripping rugby that we have seen all season, and the eight quarter-finalists in Europe's premier club competition are now known.

The rugby has been as close to Test-match level as it gets, with many tight games and so much at stake for both teams, and with the Six Nations only a couple of weeks away, this could be the best indication of how each nation will perform.

The teams that have qualified for the Heineken Cup knockout stages are as follows: Munster, Leinster, Clermont, Toulouse, Biarritz, Stade Francais, Ospreys and Northampton.

Based on the number of teams for each county, this is how each nation ranks:

1. France
2. Ireland
3. Wales
4. England
5. Scotland
6. Italy

It wouldn't be a huge shock if the Six Nations table looks exactly the same come March 20th.

Most pundits have installed Ireland as the favourites to retain their title, but Marc Lievremont has been forging his side in his own peculiar way, and with victories over the All Blacks and Springboks in 2009, I'm backing France to lift the Six Nations trophy.

If we base our prediction on Heineken Cup form, things are looking good for Les Bleus.

What do you think? Can Ireland win back-to-back titles and prove me wrong?

Have your say at www.therugbyblog.co.uk

James Hutchison
Editor - The Rugby Blog