RIP Nevin Spence (picture http://bit.ly/SrjaYg)
I started the weekend watching an epic match between Ulster and Munster. Ulster were good value for the win, but I was hugely impressed by the way Munster stood up and fought. There actually was a wee bit of fighting to liven things up – mostly handbags, but passions as they say, ran high. Trimble had a stormer, with savage tackling, and Jackson is going from strength to strength. The Munster pack looks fearsome again, put Paulie and Ryan back in and then you’re going to have a pack. Lualua and Downey have added something in midfield. I’ve never been a fan of Downey but he does a job. I could see him as an option for Ireland against some teams – Wales or South Africa, when putting people on the ground is as important as anything else.
Leinster scraped home again – I think Treviso are way better that they are being given credit for this season. And Scarlets beat Connacht, as expected, but by less than Leinster lost to them. The Ospreys meanwhile, can’t buy a win – I knew they shouldn’t have sold Bowe!
TRC
The All Blacks/Springboks match was a smasher – literally. The Springboks persisted with their brain dead kick everything tactic, but in fairness, they nearly won it anyway. Their pack, man for man, is about as good as it gets at the moment, with a young back 5 that is only going to get better, and depth of note coming off the bench. Apart from Deon Greyling, where we are talking density. Three crucial penalties, a yellow card and post match two week suspension. His brain must hang out in chat rooms with amoeba and other single celled organisms. The All Balcks unloding game is awesome, as is their backline, but they are still a little off their normal excellent standard.
The Wallabies dragged themselves up by their bootlaces past a determined Pumas side. They just look completely out of sorts, and can’t be looking forward to playing Argentina or South Africa away. Genia is a big loss and Cooper is all over the place. The Pumas, meanwhile, will be 3 or 4 in the world any time soon.
Nevin Spence
I’m a bit lost for words here, such a young guy, loads of talent, losing his life in a tragic accident along with his father and brother. It’s just wrong when someone that young gets taken away. As a rugby community, all we can do is offer our condolences to his family.
RaboDirect PRO12
Ospreys 10 - 28 Glasgow
Ulster 20 - 19 Munster
Edinburgh 41 - 10 Zebre
Connacht 11 - 24 Scarlets
Newport-Gwent D'gons 5 - 16 Cardiff Blues
Benetton Treviso 18 - 19 Leinster
Rugby Championship
New Zealand 21 - 11 South Africa
Australia 23 - 19 Argentina
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