Leinster get the bragging rights in the big derby!

 Rory O'Loughlin

Well, it was another enjoyable trip to the Aviva Stadium - I haven't been there to see Leinster lose yet, nor Ireland. Not that I've been there that often. There was a good crowd, a genial family atmosphere, and a bit of good natured banter between the fans. Pretty impressive support for Munster, but then I suppose a lot of them live up here (taking our jobs, stealing our partners etc ).

The game itself was a bit of a relief for me, as Leinster actually turned up and played some decent rugby. They still have to work on their defense, and Munster hurt them a couple of times on the counter attack. But apart from that, our scrum shaded theirs, our lineout was rock solid, we kicked better, attacked better, and our handling was better. We controlled the match all the way through really. Robbie Henshaw made a welcome return, Sexton is looking awesome, and Joey Carbury is combining well with the other backs. Daly and Berne competited well in the air for Sextons kicks, and O'Loughlin took his try superbly. And the pack put in a muscular controlled performance, letting the backs shine.

In fairness to Munster, they are really missing Taute who is a rock in midfield for them. Robin Copeland in the lock probably upset their scrum too. Keatley took his try well but his kicking was ordinary, and their handling let them down. A few tweaks needed. Tommy O'Donnell is a real gem for them.

Ulster overcame Connacht with reasonable ease, with Tommy Bowe putting a good performance, and John Cooney more than earning his keep. Connacht look like they're on the cups of better things, and I think Tiernan O'Halloran was a big loss for them early on.






Saturday 7th October
Leinster 23 17 Munster FT
Benetton Rugby 31 3 Southern Kings FT
Ospreys 18 19 Scarlets FT
Friday 6th October
Cardiff Blues 43 29 Dragons FT
Cheetahs 26 29 Glasgow Warriors FT
Edinburgh 16 15 Zebre FT
Ulster 16 8 Connacht

Leinster are really going to have to pull it out of the bag against Munster!

 

 Gary Ringrose

Inter-provincial rivalry comes to the fore again this weekend, as first Ulster welcome Connacht on Friday, and then Munster travel to the Aviva Stadium to take on Leinster on Saturday.

On recent form, it looks like it's going to be a win for Muster. Leinster have not really clicked so far this season, and although they've been winning, the Cheetahs unexpectedly showed up the weaknesses in their game. Munster have put in some good solid performances but got rocked back by their loss to Glasgow. Well, at least both teams have both their Irish internationals and Lions back, with at least one match under their belts to get a bit of form. Leinster haven't been helped by an ever changing team sheet, but they've had longer term injuries by key players from last season to contend with as well, i.e. Robbie Henshaw and in particular Gary Ringrose. Our midfield has been a bit of a revolving door defensively, and we have a perennial problem with a lack of grunt. But if Leinster are ever going to get up for a match, this is it, we might just squeeze out a result yet! I'll be there to shout them on.

Ulster have to shake off the embarrassment of last week's loss and put Connacht to the sword. Connacht have had zero luck this year, and are still coming to grips with  a new coach's plans. Another tough day at the office coming up for the Galwegians I think.

Friday 6th October
Cardiff Blues 19:35 Dragons
Cheetahs 19:35 Glasgow Warriors
Edinburgh 19:35 Zebre
Ulster 19:35 Connacht
Saturday 7th October
Leinster 14:00 Munster
Benetton Rugby 19:00 Southern Kings
Ospreys 19:35 Scarlets