Week 21 of the Guinness Pro 12 saw a classic derby game between Ulster and Munster ending in a nail-biting draw. Leinster struggled to a win against Treviso while Connacht secured what could be a vital bonus point win over Zebre. Here is my review of the Irish Provinces after Week 21 of Pro 12 action.
Munster:
It may be a case of what might have been for Munster after they conceded a last gasp try which secured Ulster’s draw against them. In truth the draw was a fair result with Munster making the most of every opportunity Ulster afforded them.
From the get go Anthony Foley’s side were focused on the task at hand and with CJ Stander and Keith Earls in fine form with ball in hand and Ian Keatley in metronomic form from placed kicks, it looked as if it could be a great day for Munster. It was not to be as two minutes at the end of either half cost them dearly.
Munster were nine points up going into half time but a penalty and Tommy Bowe try gave Ulster the lead at the short whistle. Paddy Jackson superbly converted Paul Marshall’s late try to level the game. Next up for Munster is a visit from Newport / Gwent Dragons and a bonus point win could see the Red Army top the Pro 12 table and secure a home semi-final.
Ulster:
Paul Marshall’s late, late try against Munster kept up Ulster’s chances of a home semi-final very much alive. Neil Doak’s charges must now make the daunting trip to Scotstoun and beat the Glasgow Warriors and hope other results go their way.
Ulster will in some ways be frustrated not to have beaten Munster as they missed a host of chances in both halves. Iain Henderson was superb all game, an eye catching offload for Tommy Bowe’s try being the highlight. Henderson was red carded late on in the game for a questionable challenge on Ronan O’Mahony at a ruck.
Thankfully for Ulster it has been announced that he will receive no more punishment for the incident. One worry for Ulster going into the Glasgow game is the scrum. Munster dominated them for most of the game at scrum time and if they want to come away from Scotland with a win it is imperative that their scrum is rock solid.
Connacht:
Six try Connacht easily overcame a feeble Zebre effort at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi by a scoreline of 40-10. Two first half tries from man of the match John Cooney set the western province on their way. Connacht’s other tries came from Eoghan Masterson, Matt Healy, Tiernan O’Halloran and Shane O’Leary.
The bonus point win has kept Connacht’s in with a chance of catching sixth placed Scarlets for the coveted Champions Cup place. Pat Lam’s side were in pole position in the race but losing their last four games before the Zebre win has cost them dearly.
Connacht welcome the Ospreys to the Sportsground for the final Pro 12 game of the season. This will be a tough game for the side as the Welsh region are in with a chance of top position in the league and are in great form. They also need Treviso to beat the Scarlets to have any hope of getting into next season’s Champions Cup.
Leinster:
Leinster secured a Champions Cup spot after beating Treviso at the RDS on Friday night. This was another poor Leinster performance and their slim hopes of a top four finish are well and truly finished. Jamie Heaslip’s first half try was converted by Jimmy Gopperth who also added a penalty late in the game.
Even though their place in Europe’s premier rugby competition for next year is secured, this season has been a major let down for Matt O’Connor, his staff, the players and of course the Leinster fans. O’Connor has been under major pressure and time will tell it is not clear at this stage if he will keep his job.
What is clear for Leinster is that a major improvement is needed for next season. They finish out the Pro 12 season with a trip to Murrayfield where they take on Edinburgh. All either team has to play for is a morale boosting win for which should make for an entertaining game.
One final quick tribute to Leinster and Ireland’s Gordon Darcy who announced his intention to retire after the World Cup. He has been an outstanding player for the last 16 years for both his province and his country.
Darcy formed a truly outstanding partnership with Brian O’Driscoll for Leinster and Ireland for many years and we may not see a better one in our lifetime. The Wexford native may not play again for either but deserves all the accolades he has received in the last few weeks.
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