Sunday, October 12, 2014

Four from four for Ireland, not too shabby!

 Leinster's Richardt Strauss thunders forward, Leinster v Montpellier, Heineken Cup, RDS, Dublin, Ireland, January 21, 2012
 (picture http://es.pn/1qMZC1I)

Four from four for the Irish provinces, so not too shabby.  Connacht fired again, getting an way win over Treviso. They traditionally have a purple patch during the 6 Nations, while the other squads are depleted, and they are really putting their hands up for a top 6 finish this year.  Ronaldson kicked all their points, and is proving to be a key cog in their machine.

Munster had 9 changes from last weekend, and it showed, all the dynamism and momentum they had from last weekend was missing. The Scarlets where pretty desperate too, makings a hains of their line outs, and dropping the ball umpteen times. Meanwhile,  Rhys Priesland, sporting a bit of bumfluff on his upper lip, masquerading as a moustache, did himself no favours  with his international aspirations, squandering 2 or 3 regulation attempts at penalties. I’m expecting a completely different Munster next weekend against Sale.

I didn’t see the Leinster match, but with a host of changes, not surprising they weren’t running like a well oiled machine.  Madigan scored a try and got 13 points altogether, underlining his importance to the team.  Luke McGrath got a try too, best to bank the 4 points, and think about Wasps in the Champions Cup now. Certainly great to have Richardt Strauss back.

Finally, Ulster came out well on top of an almighty battle against Glasgow at Ravenhill. It was an intensely physical match, where defence was king, but Ulster kept their patience, ground Glasgow down, then put in the boot in. Craig Gilroy scored the type of try that will put him back into Irish contention. Ian Humphreys had a good match, as did Payne and MCloskey, and Henry and Diack were as superb as always. Not many sides will win that big over the Scots this season.

Guinness PRO12
Saturday , October 11
Edinburgh 24 - 10 Newport Gwent D'gons   
Zebre 3 - 20 Leinster   
Ulster 29 - 9 Glasgow   
Friday , October 10
Benetton Treviso 6 - 9
Munster 17 - 6 Scarlets

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