Advertisement
The BKT United Rugby Championship returned in a big way at the weekend, yet one thing still alludes us Irish - a clean sweep of victories. This could be as close as we get for some time with Munster falling short in agonising fashion, as Leinster, Connacht and Ulster secured bonus point wins.
The BKT United Rugby Championship returned in a big way at the weekend, yet one thing still alludes us Irish - a clean sweep of victories. This could be as close as we get for some time with Munster falling short in agonising fashion, as Leinster, Connacht and Ulster secured bonus point wins.
After a mediocre November in Dublin (and Chicago) it was a near-perfect return to the domestic season for the four provinces, and a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming European season.
In this opening edition of ‘The Irish Eye’, here are the four biggest talking points from the four provinces in action in round six of the URC.
Baloucoune (9', 76'), Kok (20', 57'), Hume (51'), Penalty Try (62'), Sheridan (67')
Tries
Bernasconi (27')
Doak (21', 52', 58'), Flannery (67', 77')
Conversions
Umaga (28')
Penalties
Umaga (14', 42')
Ulster: Hey Jude!
“Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude” (Postlethwaite). When Ulster needed a hero and a leader, up stepped the hot stepping centre. The 23-year-old midfielder was mesmeric on the artificial Affidea turf on Friday night, helping Ulster to an important 47-13 win over Benetton.
The RBAI alum and former Ireland under-20 star stood out from the crowd with a game-leading two try assists, three line breaks and eight defenders beaten in a barnstorming display.
With Stuart McCloskey sidelined for at least another fortnight, Jude certified himself as a legitimate challenger to Ulster’s centre depth chart, but also Ireland’s.
Let’s hope Andy Farrell was watching!
Leinster: Dominant Yet Plucky?
A win is a win, and this one is valuable for Leinster considering their start to the season. However, despite running out 24-10 victors in Newport against the Dragons, something felt off.
Leo Cullen’s men were 21 point favourites in the odds before kick-off in Rodney Parade, so the fact that they scored four tries, left with a bonus point and got a healthy run out should be good… right?
Well yes and no, and some of it is not their own fault. Leinster led this game 17-10 late on, while being camped on their own line before another viral refereeing moment. Referee Morne Ferreira and TMO Chris Allison handed the Dublin men a get out of jail free card when Scott Penny’s no arms tackle on his own line was deemed not to be foul play.
Leinster cleared their lines and a few moments later the Viking lock RG Snyman ran home for the fourth try.
Whether the grand stand finish lingers on or not; Leinster dominated this game with ball in hand, even if there is an unfamiliar feeling in their mouths on the short flight home.
Connacht: Stuart, Sean and Sharks
Death, taxes, and the Sharks losing in Ireland. Despite having more Boks on their payroll than anyone else, the Sharks’ third loss to a province this season was of little surprise, but the scoreline was.
Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht finally kicked into gear in Galway, and were fully deserving of their 44-17 win. Young star Sean Naughton kicked a whopping 19 points off the tee (8 from 8), as they westerners ran out bonus point winners.
It was a morale boosting win for Connacht, helped by the performances of the younger cohort. Naughton’s impressive haul on the score sheet joined former Ireland underage stars Hugh Gavin and Matthew Devine who dotted down expertly, as did the powerful Sam Illo from close range.
This lone victory does not make them URC top eight contenders just yet, especially with five more interpros and a South African tour in their remaining 12 games; but it signifies Stuart Lancaster’s philosophy for the boys in green.
Munster: A Tale of Two Halfs
Unbeaten no more, as a stormy and turbulent second half finally knocked Clayton McMillan’s men off course.
Despite leading for 67 minutes of the top of the table clash, a costly intercept and devious disallowed try meant Munster’s trademark heroics were put on pause. A 21-6 halftime advantage was swallowed up in the final quarter, in frustrating fashion.
The opening half hour was slick and sublime from the hosts, led by Jack Crowley and a dominant pack. However neither he nor the Munster front row had an answer when John Dobson unleashed his 6/2 bomb squad.
One result should not signal an end to Munster’s momentum, but they will need to be far more accurate at The Rec on Saturday night, as Bath’s counter attacking brilliance and powerful rear guard will be sure to match what the Cape Tonians brought to their party hijacking.
