Irish Provinces Review after Round Three of European Champions Cup & Challenge Cup
Ulster and Connacht were the winners of the Irish Provinces in Europe last weekend as Munster and Leinster suffered defeats. Clermont Auvergne became the first French team to win at Thomond Park in European competition, beating Munster 16-9. Leinster were overturned by Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop. Ulster beat Scarlets and in the Challenge Cup Connacht scored five tries in beating French Top 14 team Bayonne.
Munster:
Munster went into the Clermont Auvergne game as slight favourites but Clermont are one of the best sides around and Fritz Lee’s early try set the tone for an awful night for the home side. Make no mistake, Munster were beaten all ends up by Clermont.
There was no way through the brutal defence that the French side brought with them. Munster huffed and puffed but could not break the line. Clermont controlled the game but Munster were the architects of their own downfall at times.
Poor tactical kicking by Conor Murray and especially Ian Keatley did not help their cause but it was their surprising lineout errors in scoring positions that will frustrate Anthony Foley and Paul O’Connell the most. Munster pride themselves at the set piece and even though they played poorly this game was salvageable if they had been more accurate at the scrum and lineout.
Keatley took his chances from placed kicks but JJ Hanrahan offers a different option and deserves his chance this weekend in the return fixture. Hanrahan has been linked with several Aviva Premiership teams this week and Munster could lose a very talented young player if he doesn’t get starting game time soon.
Leinster:
Leinster lost their first game in the Champions Cup to Harlequins in a game they could have won. It was another substandard performance by Leinster and they need a win in the return fixture this weekend at Lansdowne Road.
Once again Ian Madigan was one of the few bright sparks once again for the away side, flawless once more from placed balls. A major worry for Matt O’Connor will be the lack of creativity that his side are showing in midfield. Gordon Darcy has been a fantastic servant for Leinster but his time is nearing an end.
Luke Fitzgerald was deployed in the centre for this game but despite numerous efforts he could not break through. Rhys Ruddock was effective and explosive but he was the only one. Leinster are badly missing the dynamism of Cian Healy and Sean O’Brien. O’Connor needs Jamie Heaslip and Co. to stand up this weekend.
Heaslip gets plenty of credit for his work rate but he needs to return to the ball carrying dynamo he was when he announced himself on the world stage in 2009. He is a class player but his form has dwindled. Leinster need him at their best this weekend or it could be the end of their European season.
Ulster:
Ulster created a lifeline for themselves with their win against the Scarlets but missed out on what could be a vital try bonus point. They now sit in third place in Pool 3 behind Toulon and Leicester Tigers. A bonus point victory in the return game at Parc Y Scarlets this weekend is now a must for Ulster.
Ruan Pienaar’s return was a major boost for Neil Doak’s side and along with Darren Cave and Tommy Bowe steered Ulster towards the victory. The lack of bonus point is a frustration but Ulster have the capability to get one this weekend.
One worrying aspect of Ulster’s performance was their lack of accuracy at the lineout. Rory Best will be hoping to rectify that this weekend and set piece dominance will be their main aim in this match. Scarlets are a dangerous proposition at home and have already beaten Ulster in the Pro 12 this season.
On the injury front, Wiehahn Herbst, Nick Williams and Stuart McCloskey have all been ruled out of the Scarlets trip while Franco van der Merwe and Stuart Olding face return to play protocols following head injuries sustained in the game at the Kingspan Stadium.
Connacht
Connacht got to within one point of the Exeter Chiefs at the Top of Pool 2 in the Challenge Cup with an easy win over Bayonne. Two tries from Danie Poolman and one each from Wille Faloon, Bundee Aki and Dave McSharry secured the win for Pat Lam’s side.
This was an easy win for Connacht and adds to their extremely positive season. Jack Carty is becoming a quality operator at out half while Kieran Marmion continues to grow at scrum half. Add Bundee Aki, Mils Muliaina, Matt Healy, Dave McSharry and Danie Poolman and you have a seriously exciting backline even without the injured Robbie Henshaw.
They will go into the return game with Bayonne full of confidence but know that any win in France is extremely hard to come by. The home side should welcome some of their big hitters like Joe Rokocoko and new French full back Scott Spedding back into their starting lineup. A win would set up a winner take all home game against Exeter Chiefs in the final pool fixture.
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