TODAY'S final Heineken Cup pool clash with Ospreys is arguably our most important game of the season.

And regardless of the outcome, the fact that we went into the clash with the Welsh giants still in with an outside chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals is a testament to the unbelievable team spirit at Edgeley Park.

The catalogue of injuries, the latest of which have ruled Sililo Martens and Nathan Bonner-Evans out for the season, and ill-fortune that have marked our season, would have sent most clubs into freefall.

Instead, we have gritted our teeth, faced up to adversity and made a real fist of it.

After all, we're also through to the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Cup and pushing for a place in the top four of the Premiership.

Not bad for a team of crocks!

And next season, with the disruption caused by World Cup, I'm convinced Sale will emerge all the stronger given the valuable experience some of the younger guys in the squad have gone through this term.

We were under no illusions that today's task gave us a mountain to climb. Not only did we have to win, and score four tries in the process, we also had to wait and hope on the outcome of the other group games in order to finish as one of the top two group runners-up.

But at least we were playing at home in front of a near sell-out Edgeley Park crowd who are like having an extra man.

And we were also armed with the added incentive of seeking revenge for the manner of our last-gasp defeat at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

Whether we progress or not, there's no doubt the Heineken Cup is the most prestigious club competition in the Northern Hemisphere which is why I really hope the French clubs don't carry through with their decision to boycott next season's competition.

In my view, the tournament would be hugely devalued if the French clubs withdrew and it would take away from the winner.

What do you think? Have your say.