In a week where Galway unveiled a stadium to be proud of, there was plenty to discuss in the URC.
In a week where Galway unveiled a stadium to be proud of, there was plenty to discuss in the URC.
From testy conditions to annoying performances, here are our main talking points from the return to domestic action in Ireland.
Leinster: Injuries Cloud 10/10 Run
Another week, another win for Leinster, but also another name added to the A4 sheet of paper that holds their injury list. The most recent, Ireland loosehead Jack Boyle, will have caused Andy Farrell to see red, but it does highlight Leinster’s need to stay clean at the backend of the season.
They now face into the next block minus Boyle, McCarthy and Porter; while the likes of James Lowe, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan have had stop-start seasons thus far.
On the field, it was an uninspiring performance until it wasn’t. A quick flurry of tries from RG Snyman, Charlie Tector and Ciarán Frawley reminded everyone in this league that when Leinster flex their muscles, they are tough to stop.
It’s a home tie with Edinburgh next for Leo Cullen’s men, where merely coming out alive, and keeping the winning momentum going will be the aim, given the bangs and bruises they have collected in recent weeks.
Munster: Dogged vs Dragons
Cork is a wonderful part of Ireland, bar one sequence of events: when Munster take on a mid-to-low table URC side on a Friday night. Then you can expect wind and rain strong enough to knock an Edogbo off balance.
In the end, the home side did just about enough to see off a Dragons team, who to their credit, seemed buoyed by last week’s edition of Welsh rugby turmoil.
While plaudits can, and should, go to the likes of Seán Edogbo, who impressed on debut; Clayton McMillan’s men were almost left to rue another slow start.
For the sixth time in eight games, Munster fell 10 or more points behind; and were saved by a second-half surge (led by Gavin Coombes) to come out on top.
They will need a more rounded, 80-minute performance next week if they are to slay the Glasgow Warriors in Scotstoun.
Connacht: Near Perfect Dexcom Debut
From fireworks to trad music; there was plenty of flair on show pre-game in Galway. The event matched the occasion as Connacht Rugby officially opened the new Clan Stand at the Dexcom Stadium, to a record 12,481 supporters in Galway.
This was a day almost a quarter of a century in the making, and the ensuing interpro was a classic until it wasn’t. Facilitated by a terrific atmosphere and refereeing performance, Leinster needed to show their class to get over the line.
For the home side, it was a more positive performance than recent showings. Young homegrown players like Harry West and Shane Jennings showed up out wide, while Billy Bohan impressed before his Ireland call-up.
Had those lads dragged them over the line, then it would have been a result for the ages. Alas it was not, but the showpiece on the pitch and off; more than made up for it.
Ulster: Scarlets Setback
Before this game, the only 3% of players URC’s Superbru predictions leagues had Scarlets winning this game. But, like Llanelli sides of old, they snatched a vital victory over Ulster at the death.
The result is far from a disaster for the Irish province, who can move back into the top 4 with their game in hand.
But it will be frustrating one and a fourth loss in six away games played so far this season is cause for some concern.
They now face into a sticky home clash with Cardiff on Saturday night, minus Rob Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale, Stuart McCloskey, Nathan Doak, Tom Stewart, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Bryn Ward and Nick Timoney.