As rugby competitions seek the perfect combination of great rugby, off-field attraction and commercial appeal, you need to look no further than Cape Town for the Stormers versus Sharks match in the URC. It was a sell out crowd of 52,000 in an iconic stadium with Table Mountain as a backdrop. A fair sprinkling of Springboks, not just that but the likes of Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu, probably the best No 10 in world rugby, and Siya Kolisi gracing the field of play. Cheerleaders and pumping music as well as intense competition between these two fierce rivals were enduring features. It was noisy, more so than most other grounds and adding to the atmosphere. The Sharks were a completely different proposition than in the Champions Cup (as were the Stormers for that matter) and ran out comfortable winners. It was a commercial sponsors dream, and an aspiration for all club rugby. However, these achievements are progressive, not everyone can play in such surroundings from a standing start.

It was also full-blooded due to the lack of distraction from the impending 6 Nations whereas everywhere else, sides are lacking their top players as they prepare. Sadly, the opening matches do not appeal that much. Both France and Ireland are seeking combinations with retirement, injuries and poor form the dominant theme. France will get their act together no doubt if the Bordeaux influences are leveraged (even without Penaud) and the much hoped for finale with England sits out there as the logical dénouement. Twickenham will no doubt be chatting more loudly than ever given the one-way traffic that is likely given the disparity in quality and the bigger picture of Welsh chaos. However, one word of warning – in 1987 when England banned 5 players including the Captain in the aftermath of the ‘ Battle of Cardiff Arms Park’, I came into a no-hope England side to face the Triple Crown-seeking Scotland who had 10 British Lions in their line up. We won convincingly and somewhat surprisingly – sometimes, on the day….. but in all truth with the planned strategies and a powerful bench including Maro Itoje, this is a close to a banker as you can get. For the record, I am fine with the Dingwall Freeman combination and think that Freeman can develop into a supreme outside centre of the modern variety. I still imagine that Ojomoh can make a long term claim at 12 but they could pick three or more pairs of centres and it still be good enough for this weekend.

What is super interesting is the form of Glasgow and whether this can finally elevate Scotland to genuine 6 Nations title contenders. If they can beat England, then that feeling will grow. The ‘grudge’ match in Murrayfield is when this tournament will build some narrative, develop some spectacle and importantly a level playing field. As the Prem is finding in England club rugby and to some extent the PWR, one-sided rugby matches hold little appeal, commercial or otherwise.

Finally, I wonder if Italy will spring a surprise or two. They have a quality squad and there is no shortage of skill alongside exceptional coaching. Someone may slip on that banana skin and even England in Rome may be seen as a challenge and not damage limitation from the Azzurri. A gentle start then, but momentum will doubtless build.

What a Super Bowl it was too, the Seattle Seahawks producing a defensive masterclass and emphasising that quarterback quality doesn’t just happen – not everyone can be a Tom Brady or a Drew Bledsoe. NFL is growing around the world and Europe, led by London, is at the heart of that. We are privileged to be stocking world class wines from Bledsoe Family Wines, and the ‘Touchdown Case‘ gives you a chance to continue enjoying quality wines in a world class sport made by a sporting legend.

Hallers.