Doug howlett (picture from http://bit.ly/i80gdf )
This was nearly Ireland ‘s weekend in the Magners, apart from Leinster, who get to sit on the bold step. First of all Connacht pulled off a stunning victory at the Showgrounds against Glasgow in a 5 try rout. That was four tries from the wings and full back, and a penalty try for Connacht, also proving comprehensively that Glasgow have no depth in their squad. The Scarlets must feel like they have sinned in a previous life to have come away with a loss at the Parc y Scarlets after an injury time penalty from Ruan Pienaar sealed the deal for Ulster. In fact it was the Priestland and Piennar show on a drenched evening in LLanelli, with all the points, apart from a penalty try, coming from the boot. Ulster will take their win, however they got it, and I’m not surprised to see Ruan coming up with the goods as I’ve seen him deliver an identical result for the Sharks against the Crusaders in the Super 14.
Then it was Munster’s turn to put Edinburgh to the sword (Ireland 2, Scotland 0). It was a pretty scratchy game in bits, but fortunately master Doug.E.Howlett was on hand to slide in with two characteristic tries. He wasn’t the only man in red to shine though, as Stringer was also at the top of his game, with typical crisp passing, and O’Gara showing a deft touch. It’s pretty classic though that Tony Buckley, after hiding his light under what must have been a pretty substantial bushel, has suddenly decided to shine after announcing his departure to Sale. Mafi was also in sparkling form – don’t want to start a rumour but I heard he was leaving too, is that true? Edinburgh’s back line looked dangerous with ball in hand – imagine getting Lamont and Southwell, and Ansbro in there.
So all that was needed was for Leinster to come to the party and make it a clean sweep for Ireland. Having just snuck into the 21st century with the acquisition of Sky plus, I even have the game recorded for posterity. However, knowing the result, I can’t be bothered to watch it. I caught the beginning live, and didn’t think Leinster looked all that sharp. I suppose losing your first choice scrumhalf/fly half combination is going to hurt you though, and they were playing away from home.
Fri - 18th Feb 11
19:00 Magners Lge Connacht 37 - 8 Glasgow
19:05 Magners Lge Scarlets 16 - 18 Ulster
19:50 Magners Lge Munster 23 - 13 Edinburgh
Sat - 19th Feb 11
17:30 Magners Lge Benetton Treviso 18 - 34 Ospreys
18:30 Magners Lge Cardiff Blues 11 - 3 Leinster
Sun - 20th
17:30 Magners Lge Aironi Rugby vs Newport-Gwent D'gons
Exiles
London Irish slipped to 7th place in the Aviva Premisership, and Exeter could overtake them if they win their game in hand, after they fell to another wretched loss, this time at the hands of Gloucester. Toby Booth’s collar must be starting to get uncomfortably tight. Time for a change? Elsewhere Exeter had a good win against the Falcons, and Banahan’s three tries sealed Baths victory over Saints.
Fri - 18th
19:45 Gloucester 23 - 9 London Irish
20:00 Newcastle 13 - 23 Exeter
Sat - 19th
15:00 Aviva Prem Bath 38 - 8 Northampton
15:00 Aviva Prem Harlequins 21 - 9 Sale
17:30 Aviva Prem Leicester 21 - 12 Wasps
Sun - 20th Feb
15:00 Aviva Prem Saracens 37 -0 Leeds Carnegie (at the time of going to press)
Shark Bite
Having avoided the Super 15 and plumped for Super Rugby, it looks like the Southern Hemisphere have erred in their name selection – Regular Rugby was more fitting for this weekends matches, with a few exceptions. I saw a bit of the Sharks/Cheetahs match with Beast Mtawarira Willem Alberts both looking very sharp, while thhe Cheetahs were pretty clueless it has to be said. It must be difficult for them to keep improving when you lose players with such depressing regularity. What I saw wasn’t fantastic, but the Sharks always seem to start off looking pretty dodgy and only start to fire round about the half way mark.
This is Ma'a Nonu getting up close and personal with All Black team mate Jimmy Cowan:
Fri - 18th
19:35 Overall Group Hurricanes 9 - 14 Highlanders
19:40 Overall Group Melbourne Rebels 0 - 43 Waratahs
Sat - 19th
06:35 Overall Group Blues 24 - 22 Crusaders
08:40 Overall Group Brumbies 28 - 20 Chiefs
15:05 Overall Group Sharks 24 - 9 Cheetahs
19:10 Overall Group Lions 20 - 24 Bulls
Sun - 20th
06:40 Overall Group Reds 21 Western Force 20
Thanks for these information. Rugby is an awesome game and it is really fun to take Rugby holidays together with your mates.
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