For all the controversy that came with the decision to introduce South African clubs into European competition, no-one can claim the newcomers aren't earning their places.
A year after taking to the United Rugby Championship against clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy like ducks to water, South Africa's Stormers, Sharks and Bulls are wasting no time impressing on the continental stage. In fact, it's looking like all three upstarts could sail into the knockout stages ahead of this weekend's final group matchups, with the Durban-based Sharks having already booked a top-eight finish in Pool A.
The quality is all but impossible to ignore, and Ireland icon Brian O'Driscoll doesn't see any reason to deny what's plain for all to see. As one who was crowned king of Europe on three occasions during an illustrious Leinster career, O'Driscoll knows the charm of the Champions Cup (formally the 'European Rugby Champions Cup') better than most.
