The eleventh round of the Guinness Pro 14 saw closely fought contests throughout the fixture list. Cardiff Blues edged an unlucky Dragons outfit. Ospreys beat Scarlets at home to provide a timely morale boost. Edinburgh Rugby’s pack set the platform for a rousing victory over Glasgow Warriors while Benetton Rugby edged past Zebre Rugby today. This blog posting will focus on the Irish inter-provincials where excitement was reserved for the RDS.
Leinster Rugby show why they are champions
Seventeen points down with seventeen minutes to go. A fixture which Connacht Rugby provided several superb attacking moves with Jack Carty the conductor of all that he surveyed. Any other side would have been resigned to their fate but this Leinster Rugby showed massive fortitude, attitude, determination and skill to pull this game out of the fire.
What sets this side apart is how Leinster Rugby refused to panic, kept believing in their systems knowing that they should get their just rewards. Connacht Rugby visibly tired with each passing phase in that last ten minutes and from been in a position of strength, they were akin to a boxer on the ropes waiting to be put out of their misery.
Connacht Rugby game management in that final ten minutes was also quite key; a couple of occasions where the side had chances to slow the tempo and with more assured kicking from hand into touch could have still secured the win but Leinster Rugby were given the field position required and they made Connacht Rugby pay.
The cameo of Ross Byrne in the closing minutes were nothing short of sensational. His game management to keep Connacht Rugby off balance defensively to the core and with the ever willing support running of Adam Byrne (148 meters off 18 carries), it was decisive. When you add his unerring conversions at the death, it was a display which showed composure in abundance.
Leinster Rugby management will be keen to run the rule over the video analysis as Connacht Rugby exposed big gaps defensively in their cover defense throughout. Carty for sixty minutes was outstanding; constantly testing the host defensive line, his deft kicks in behind working a treat.
Blade at scrum half varied his game superbly and chipped in with a try. Squad depth in the front row was a decisive blow and it came back to haunt Connacht Rugby in the last quarter as scrum after scrum went against them and allowing Leinster Rugby to setup field position and pressure. Yet another tough road loss in the RDS for Connacht Rugby who must ensure that this loss does not spiral their season out of control.
A sensational contest. A sensational advert for the league. Leinster Rugby management will have learned plenty about their up and coming talent. Munster Rugby beware; the defensive lapses from Leinster Rugby should not be seen in Thomond Park on December 29th.
Ulster Rugby victorious
Seven point win for Ulster Rugby at Kingspan against a Munster Rugby side who will feel that officiating decisions went against them. Robert Baloucoune looking to impress should have seen red for his hit on Darren Sweetnam after eleven seconds. The yellow card was a joke call and Ulster Rugby after easily absorbing Munster Rugby attacking advances for the opening ten minutes set about winning this contest. They did so aided by executing a cohesive attacking game plan.
Munster Rugby fans will be worried heading into the Leinster Rugby contest next weekend. Defensively and tackling is on point, line speed was good from the players on duty but the distinct lack of attacking nous with ball in hand is a massive issue. A third consecutive week where Munster Rugby have struggled to make any significant gain line breaks, a third consecutive week where support runners were non-existent. 140 meters in this fixture falls well short of what is required to win a fixture. The botched try opportunity in the second half summed up the clueless decision making at the moment in the side with ball in hand. Felix Jones has work to do.
Ulster Rugby provided more evidence of their potency with ball in hand. Addison continues to be the find of the season. His running lines and passing from thirteen caused Munster Rugby endless issues. Rory Best impact off the bench was superb; his offload in the second half setting up an Ulster Rugby try. Baloucoune after his reprieve scored a smart try along with David Shanahan who was sharp around the fringes. Herring was pumped with his effort. Ulster Rugby perhaps disappointed that they did not secure a bonus point try win.
The game saw Henry Speight play his game for the Ulster Rugby side. An excellent signing this season, his presence and experience will be missed heading into the finale of the European Cup pool phases. Dan McFarland is building a nice side. Their attacking play is a joy to watch at times; how Munster Rugby fans would love the invention and creativity injected into their side?