Well, my support was the kiss of death for everyone I’d said would win this weekend!
Munster at least picked up a good win, scoring a rake of tries and moving into fourth.
But there was no joy for Ulster in Glasgow –they started brightly enough, but then Glasgow got their motor going, and Ulster were living off scraps after that. Ulster did score a brilliant opportunist try though, and were denied at least a losing bonus point by a blatant forward pass in the lead up to a Glasgow try. Glasgow are a potent team, and could still win the PRO 12. But that pitch of theirs is a disgrace, as is Rodney Parade, is someone going to have to break their neck before matches stop being played on pitches in that condition? Ulster, like Leinster, seem to be coming under pressure as the season closes.
Then on Saturday it was Leinster putting in an underwhelming performance against Connacht. Connacht played with a lot of heart and spirit, but with skill and accuracy too. They know that field, know that wind, and know how to play it to the inch. As with Glasgow last week, Leinster struggled to get going. There’s no lack of effort, but what is missing is control, direction and a recognisable pattern of play. We went backwards for two years under Matt O’Connor, now we’re holding ground at best under Leo. Plus we have so many Irish internationals, there’s little continuity week to week. Having said that, we’re still in second, and it’s in our hands to at least keep in second and challenge for first. So apart from everything, I’m pretty happy with how Leinster are getting on!
Friday, March 25
Munster 47 - 0 Zebre
Cardiff Blues 56 - 8 Benetton Treviso
Glasgow Warriors 27 - 17 Ulster
Saturday, March 26
Ospreys 16 - 25 Scarlets
Connacht 7 - 6 Leinster
Sunday, March 27
Dragons v Edinburgh
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