Jack Conan
Despite being shorn of their Kiwi players, and not exactly picking an A team in the first place, Leinster still claimed their third bonus point in a row, away to the Kings. It's all a bit surreal though - playing in gorgeous sunshine in a beautiful stadium, great pitch - with nearly no one there to see it. It's anot a very well supported team in the first place. So what's the attraction of including them in Pro Rugby?
Rassie Erasmus was talking about the Kings and Cheetahs in the week - he says it's a pretty full Cheetahs team, so he expects them to improve once they adapt to the Northern game, but that the Kings have only about 3 of their Super Rugby squad so it'll be next season before they get better.
As for Leinster, they made their usual snails pace , probably got the hairdryer talk at half time, and came out and played proper rugby in the second half. Conan is really putting his hand up for a starting place in Leinster, and possibly Ireland too. Carbury and Reid were abit rusty, but it was their first game. Our fitness is superb though, if we can start well we'll really hammer teams in final quarter, especially with the quality of our bench.
Elsewhere, Munster put in an impressive performance to beat the Ospreys away. Chris Farrell is shaping up to be a brilliant signing, and I'm seriously impressed by Sean O'Connor. Ulster had a great win over the Scarlets, even without their two big South African forwards. A weekend to forget for Connacht, and also for Edinburgh - that would have hurt!
Saturday 16th September
Southern Kings 10 31 Leinster FT
Ospreys 16 21 Munster FT
Cheetahs 54 39 Zebre FT
Cardiff Blues 19 20 Glasgow Warriors FT
Friday 15th September
Dragons 21 8 Connacht FT
Edinburgh 17 20 Benetton Rugby FT
Ulster 27 20 Scarlets
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