We’ve all done it…you innocently click on ‘Fixtures 2004-2005’ in the left-hand menu, and it hits you!  It gets me every time…I should be ready for it…but no…hits me right between (and via) the ears…THIS IS IT!

Well ‘IT’ has definitely arrived.

This is the easiest, and shortest, match preview I’ve ever written.  I could quote team records, I could highlight star players, I could point to significant absentees, I could even analyse conflicts of interests…but it isn’t necessary.  The table says it all. 

On Saturday, all 12 teams have something to play for: finishing top and so qualifying for the ZP Final; finishing in the top 3 and so qualifying for the ZP semi; finishing 4th and so qualifying for next season’s Heineken Cup; qualifying for a ZP wild-spot position, home or away; or the far less mundane matter of merely avoiding relegation!  What a competition.  I can remember nothing like it, in any league, in any sport, ever.

There will be tears before bedtime and hangovers over breakfast.  There will be relief, joy, delight and despair in probable equal measure.  Contracts and careers will be made and broken.  Grown men and women will cry, inconsolable, or grin inanely.

Some teams will rely on others to do them favours…and some will be disappointed.

Fortunately, for us, the future is in our own hands.  And what a future it promises to be.  Stadium expansion, international quality players further boosting an experienced and proven squad, Europe, silverware, etc, etc.

All we have to do is win one match…so we will. 

Simple. Job done.  THIS is indeed IT.