Anthony Foley
Rugby this weekend was overshadowed by the passing of Anthony Foley. Rugby is a family, and it's shocking to lose such a prominent member, only 42 with a wife and young family. He was a legend for Munster and Ireland, an old school player who did his talking on the pitch. It's genuinely rocked the whole European rugby world, with condolences coming from former players all over. A sad, sober end to the weekend.
Leinster got a bonus point win over the French team who've conceded the least tries this season, a pretty good way to get things going. There are a few buts though, you felt like they could have really pumped Castres, who played a one dimensional game. Some great performances across the team - Josh van der Flier has all the skills, while Joey Carbery is a godsend because he's such a strong option to Sexton. Add in Ringrose and Henshaw and you have options and threats all over.
Then the match of the weekend for me as the French galactacos Toulouse came to Galway to a packed pumped up Sportsground. There's a lot of skill in Connacht, a lot of talent too, but what drives them mostly is that visceral self belief. They hung in there, looking deadly in attack, riding out a strong challenge from Toulouse in the middle of the match to snatch it at the end. Heroes stood up all over the field for Connacht - Bundee Aki was epic, Ultan Dillan is a force of nature, and Tiernan O'Hollaran is kicking Ireland's door down, always a threat.
Finally, Ulster hung right in against Bordeaux- Begle up until the last 10 minutes and then had the worst luck. They were under sustained pressure and conceded a try.. then another, then another. Some bad luck, but they did fade away too. Sean Reidy put in a massive shift, and Ruan Pienaar is the heartbeat of the team. Still, a big step up from last week.
European Rugby Champions Cup
16 Oct 2016
Exeter Chiefs vs Clermont Auvergne 8 - 35
Bordeaux Begles vs Ulster 28 - 13
15 Oct 2016
Scarlets vs Sale Sharks 28 - 11
Connacht vs Toulouse 23 - 21
Northampton Saints vs Montpellier 16 - 14
Toulon vs Saracens 23 - 31
Leinster vs Castres 33 - 15
London Wasps vs Zebre 82 - 14
14 Oct 2016
Glasgow Warriors vs Leicester Tigers 42 - 13
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