Irish Provinces Review after Week Eight of Guinness Pro 12
The Guinness Pro 12 returned last weekend and the Irish Provinces played their first games since the first week in November. Munster, Connacht and Ulster returned to Pro 12 action with victories while Leinster drew. Munster had a comfortable win away from home against Newport Gwent Dragons. Connacht demolished Zebre by 40 points. Ulster beat top of the table Ospreys while Leinster were lucky to get a draw at bottom of the table Treviso.
Munster:
Five points in the bag for Munster after a comprehensive win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade. Munster do not have the best of records at this venue and will be delighted to come back from Wales with full points.
Robin Copeland’s first half try along with two second half tries from Duncan Casey and one each from Andrew Smith and Ronan O’Mahoney saw off the Dragons. JJ Hanrahan excelled at the new position of full back for Munster while Robin Copeland is improving with every game he plays.
Munster face Ulster in this weekend’s derby and will be expecting to add to their recent run of wins. At this stage we do not know how many of their Irish players will return to the squad but Conor Murray and Andrew Conway will be absent as they follow return to play protocols after suffering head injuries last weekend.
Leinster:
Leinster escaped with a draw in their game against Treviso last Sunday. It was an enthralling 24 all encounter but in truth Leinster should be expecting to win a game like this comfortably. They did manage to get a try bonus point but will be bitterly disappointed after another scrappy performance.
Darragh Fanning has been a bright spark for the province this season and continued his good form with two tries. Dave Kearney made his comeback in this game and also crossed over for a try. Brian Byrne got the other try while Jimmy Gopperth kicked two conversions.
Leinster welcome table topping Ospreys to the RDS this weekend in a must win game. The Welsh region are smarting from their first defeat of the Pro 12 season and should have some of their International stars returning. This could be a very tough evening for Leinster and a loss could put even more pressure on their coach Matt O’Connor.
Ulster:
Ulster inflicted the Ospreys first defeat of the Pro 12 season with a 25-16 win at the Kingspan Stadium last Friday night. Two tries from Darren Cave and a Franco van der Merwe effort were enough to see off the away side’s spirited comeback.
In truth, Ulster should have been out of sight with an 15 point half time lead but indiscipline cost them. Darren Cave’s last minute try made sure that the Ospreys did not secure a losing bonus point and Ulster now only trail them in the table on points difference.
One bit of bad news as a result of that game is that Paddy Jackson is set to miss the next six weeks because of a shoulder injury. The out half suffered an AC joint sprain at his right shoulder and he will not return until the new year. Ulster visit Thomond Park to take on Munster this Friday and a win could take them top of the Pro 12 table.
Connacht:
Mils Muliaina made his Connacht debut as they trashed Zebre by 40 points at the weekend. Tries from Danie Poolman, John Cooney, Jack Carty, Michael Kearney and a penalty try completed the easy victory for Pat Lam’s men.
Zebre were missing a host of Internationals but that takes nothing away from Connacht who dominated the game from start to finish. Ian Porter excelled at out half while Muliaina oozed class throughout the contest.
Connacht welcome the Scarlets on Saturday evening in what should be a very entertaining game between two sides who like to play an expansive game. Hooker Jason Harris Wright is the only new injury worry for Connacht after he went off after half an hour of the Zebre game with a knee injury.
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