"Just the four" matches for review
this week what with both
Leinster & Ireland in action
LEINSTER'S NEXT OPPONENTS
(OSPREYS)
OSPREYS 20-29 GLASGOW
Cracknell and Dirksen got the first and last tries of the match for the home side, but in between, led by Sam Davies their one-dimensional approach was stalling against Glasgow's dogged defence. Meanwhile the Scots were efficiently making the most of chances down the other end with four tries including a hat trick from Matawalu and the BP score from MotM Nick Grigg, each of which involved its own special creation. The Ospreys clearly missed their test players more.
BENETTON 10-15 ULSTER
Posting just 3 points against Leinster the previous week clearly inspired Benetton to throw everything at Ulster from the start and Faiva went over early. But despite continuing to dominate territory & possession for the rest of the half they couldn't add to their lead. Ulster led by McCloskey's strong carries came out strongly in the second half and nudged ahead with tries from Reidy & Herring and from there the teams cancelled each other out giving Ulster a handy away win.
CHEETAHS 26-30 MUNSTER
With Bill Johnston playing a solid 10, Munster built a 22-5 lead including tries either side of the break despite a Kloete yellow. But the Pro14's South African sides seem to have a knack for purple patches and three converted tries put the Cheetahs ahead but van Graan's men, resplendent in their (blue-ish?) away kit came roaring back and Healey crashed over to secure a 5-2 split of MPs just like Southern Kings v Leinster earlier.
EDINBURGH 31-21 SCARLETS
Despite dominating the first half and powering to three tries, Edinburgh went in to the break only three points ahead as their visitors made the most of just two chances. The Scarlets then owned the "championship minutes" and when Simon Hickey saw yellow they forced agead through McNichol, but Cockerill's men regrouped well and still with 14 men Schoeman restored the lead and then MotM Bill Mata leapt over a try line ruck for a fifth. Great result for Leinster!
Cracknell and Dirksen got the first and last tries of the match for the home side, but in between, led by Sam Davies their one-dimensional approach was stalling against Glasgow's dogged defence. Meanwhile the Scots were efficiently making the most of chances down the other end with four tries including a hat trick from Matawalu and the BP score from MotM Nick Grigg, each of which involved its own special creation. The Ospreys clearly missed their test players more.
OTHER IRISH PROVINCES
BENETTON 10-15 ULSTER
Posting just 3 points against Leinster the previous week clearly inspired Benetton to throw everything at Ulster from the start and Faiva went over early. But despite continuing to dominate territory & possession for the rest of the half they couldn't add to their lead. Ulster led by McCloskey's strong carries came out strongly in the second half and nudged ahead with tries from Reidy & Herring and from there the teams cancelled each other out giving Ulster a handy away win.
CHEETAHS 26-30 MUNSTER
With Bill Johnston playing a solid 10, Munster built a 22-5 lead including tries either side of the break despite a Kloete yellow. But the Pro14's South African sides seem to have a knack for purple patches and three converted tries put the Cheetahs ahead but van Graan's men, resplendent in their (blue-ish?) away kit came roaring back and Healey crashed over to secure a 5-2 split of MPs just like Southern Kings v Leinster earlier.
OTHER PRO 14 CONFERENCE B
EDINBURGH 31-21 SCARLETS
Despite dominating the first half and powering to three tries, Edinburgh went in to the break only three points ahead as their visitors made the most of just two chances. The Scarlets then owned the "championship minutes" and when Simon Hickey saw yellow they forced agead through McNichol, but Cockerill's men regrouped well and still with 14 men Schoeman restored the lead and then MotM Bill Mata leapt over a try line ruck for a fifth. Great result for Leinster!
