PODCAST : Ep 47 : #RetroRugby 6 - AUSvIRE from #RWC2011 featuring Kristian Ross

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For the sixth instalment of the series I was joined by Kristian Ross who was keen to talk about one of Ireland’s best outings at a Rugby World Cup, that against the Wallabies to kick off our campaign in 2011.  Trust me, this is the best chat on Irish rugby between a Yank and a Geordie you’ll hear today.

Match stream (part 1 of 4 videos) > https://youtu.be/2FxSD0BkSpY 

Match stats > https://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/lineups?gameId=93473&league=164205

Harpin writeup > http://www.harpinonrugby.net/2011/09/ireland-15-australia-6.html

Podcast Ep 7 : Reviews, Ringfencing & Rankings featuring Kristian Ross

• INTRO
• 80-WORD REVIEWS INCL AUSvNZL & ENGvWAL
• BACK & FORWARD : Interview with Kristian Ross
• HARPIN POINT : 'DON'T BE A RANKER'
• OUTRO

On this week's pod we have our first shot at an interview with one of our first Harpin contributors, Ulster fan Kristian Ross, in the hot seat.  He gives his take on Ireland v Italy plus Ulster's chances for the new season before discussing ringfencing in the Premiership.  Finally, I try out a new game I've been working on called Association rugby.  Gwan, subscribe and have a listen, you know you wanna.  JLP

Champions Cup final report by Kristian Ross

Saracens won their second Champions Cup in as many years after overcoming ASM Clermont-Auvergne at Murrayfield.

Clermont, who have now appeared in three European finals without a win, started poorly as lax defending saw the Top 14 almost concede a try within the opening minute.

Saracens knocked down the door after Chris Ashton splashed down following a clever grubber in behind.

George Kruis added another to make it 12-0 as Clermont struggled to deal with an aggressive Sarries back line.

However, the French outfit bounced back with a try from Remi Lamerat that was converted by Morgan Parra to take the game within a score.

ASM’s persistence paid off as a second half score from Englishman, Nick Abendanon got Clermont within a point, before Alex Goode’s try with ten minutes to go had Saracens on the brink.

A penalty from Morgan Parra immediately from the restart gave the Yellow Army hope, but Camille Lopez missed a kickable penalty from the right-hand side, the challenge was all but over as two more Saracens penalties and excellent game management saw Owen Farrell steer the Premiership champions to victory.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

*****

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Premiership in Europe review - Week 3

by Kristian Ross

Gloucester 35-14 Atlantique Stade Rochelais (Thu):

Gloucester made it three wins out of three in the Challenge Cup as they comfortably beat Stade Rochelais in the first European tie of the weekend on Thursday evening. David Humphrey’s side got off to a slow start Kevin Gourdon went over for the away side early on, but from there it was one way traffic with Glos leading 22-7 at the break thanks to scores from Mark Atkinson, Josh Hohneck and Ollie Thornley. La Rochelle looked to be back into the contest after David Raikuna got the Top 14’s outfit second try of the game, however a late score from Matt Scott ensured a highly impressive third consecutive European bonus point following two penalties from Scottish international Greig Laidlaw. 

Northampton 10-37 Leinster (Fri):

Northampton suffered another defeat as clinical Leinster took a bonus point win at Franklin’s Gardens in the Champions Cup. In a match that was marred by Dylan Hartley’s sending off after a swing of the arm towards Séan O’Brien, Saints were left to lick their proverbial wounds as the Irish province produced a fine performance that saw Leo Cullen’s team run in five tries. The away team were on the front foot from the get go, an early score from promising centre Garry Ringrose was converted by Isa Nacewa, who also added a first half penalty with the visitors leading 10-3 at the interval. However, Saints were level after the restart with an Ahsee Tuala score before a second half implosion that started with a try for the aforementioned O’Brien and Hartley given his marching orders just minutes after entering the field of play. Saints suffered dearly and were made to pay as Jamison Gibson Park, Nacewa and Rory O’Loughlin all crossed the whitewash for an emphatic victory. 

Lyon Olympique 42-12 Newcastle (Fri):

Newcastle’s run of back to back wins came to an end after they were soundly beaten in the Challenge Cup on Friday night. Dean Richard’s side travelled to the Mamut Stadium having beaten Northampton and Harlequins in the Premiership, but an understrength line up was put to the sword. Despite an early try from Rotorua native Dan Temm, Lyon kicked into high gear and scored three converted tries through Sami Navinga, Paul Bonniford and Felix Lambey. Bonniford added two more of his own in the second half with substitute Augustin Figuerola getting in on the act, with all six tries being expertly coverted by full back Jerome Porical. Rob Vickers try at the start of the second half had given the Falcons some brief hope, but a poor second half saw the Falcons suffer a second European defeat by forty plus points this season.

Cardiff 28-3 Bath (Sat):

Bath were humiliated by Cardiff as they succumbed to a hammering on Saturday afternoon at the Arms Park. Bath could muster only a single score in the first half, a penalty from Tom Homer as the home side led 9-3 at half time, courtesy of three kicks from Aaron Shingler. Alex Cuthbert, Matthew Morgan and Scott Andrews all added salt to the wound as Todd Blackadder’s men were truly outclassed from start to finish. Depsite the result, Bath still sit second in the pool as Cardiff made it three wins from a possible three in the Challenge Cup.

Worcester 33-20 Newport Gwent Dragons (Sat):

Worcester put their Premiership woes behind them as they produced a solid performance beat the Newport Gwent Dragons at Sixways. Two penalty tries helped the Warriors on their way in the second half after the home team led narrowly at half time thanks to a score from Val Rapava-Ruskin. Ashley Hewitt scored twice in the second half for the visitors who tried to keep up with a Worcester team that also saw scores from Dean Hammond and Max Stelling. Angus O’Brien tried his best via the boot to give the Dragons a fighting chance, but the day belonged to a Warriors outfit that was in desperate need of a win.

Timisoara Saracens 3-42 Harlequins (Sat):

Harlequins made short work of Timisoara as their Challenge Cup trip to Romania yielded an easy bonus point win at the Stadionul Dan Păltinișanu. Valentin Calefteanu’s first half penalty was the only mark the home side had to show for their efforts after tries from Aaron Morris, George Merrick and Dave Ward gave Quins total control. It was little contest in the second half either as Charlie Walker crossed twice and Joe Marchant completed the six try rout with a score of his own to keep pressure on Edinburgh at the top of Pool Five.

Munster 38-0 Leicester (Sat):

Munster produced one of the great European Cup hammerings of all time as Leicester were consigned to a worst ever defeat on the continent at Thomond Park. Despite flying high in the Premiership, the Tigers record defeat was a major embarrassment, the home side leading 19-0 after the first forty minutes after tries from after Simon Zebo went over and Tyler Bleyendaal kept the scoreboard ticking over in an exceptional performance with the boot. Jaco Taute added to Leicester’s misery with a brace in the second half that also saw Manu Tuilagi binned as Richard’s Cockerill’s side suffered yet another comprehensive defeat against Irish opposition. 

Saracens 50-3 Sale (Sat):

Saracens extended their formidable Champions Cup record as they demolished Sale in an all Premiership affair at Allianz Park. Incredibly, it means the home side haven’t lost a game since their defeat in the semi-finals of the 2014-15 competition against Clermont Auvergne. The contest was over by half time as Mark McCall’s men led 26-3 after scores from Marcelo Bosch and two from Sean Maitland got the home outfit to within touching distance of a try bonus point. Jamie George secured the extra for Sarries in the second forty and Chris Wyles went in as the tally kept getting higher thanks to Owen Farrell and Alex Lozowksi. Sale could muster very little as they were blown away by what are now the tournament favourites as Saracens look to emulate Munster and make it thirteen consecutive wins in Europe should they beat Sale in the reverse fixture next week.

Wasps 32-17 Connacht (Sun):

Wasps saw off a valiant Connacht as they moved further ahead in their Champions Cup pool with a win at the Ricoh Arena. Wasps, who welcomed Kurtley Beale to the starting fifteen for the first time didn’t have to wait long to see their world class signing make an impact, his early try giving the home side the advantage. Kieran Marmion started to cause problems as Connacht grew into the game and as the Wasps penalty count started to rise, the Irish province took advantage levelling the scores before a Jimmy Gopperth penalty ensured that Dai Young’s team would have a 13-10 lead at half time. Nathan Hughes put Wasps further ahead with his try as Rory Parata ensured the PRO12 outfit made it a contest with a try just a few minutes later. Pat Lam would have been happy with his team’s effort with twenty minutes to go, but it was Wasps who seized the initiative as tries from Joe Launchbury and Josh Bassett ensured a bonus point victory.

Bristol 41-14 Pau (Sun):

Bristol grabbed a first European win of the season as they ran in seven tries against Top14 outfit Pau at Ashton Gate. In a first victory for acting head coach Mark Tainton, Bristol led 22-7 at half time scoring early tries through Jack Wallace and Tom Varndell, however Pau got one back through Watisoni Vuti. Fly half Billy Searle added a third try before Bristol impressively wrapped up a try scoring bonus point before the interval thanks to Luke Arscott. Bris substitute Chris Brooker added two tries of his own in the second half along with centre Thretton Palermo, with the only scant consolation for Pau coming from a Thibault Daubagna score as the Premiership’s whipping boys romped home to victory.

Exeter 7-13 Bordeaux-Begles (Sun):

Exeter are all but out of the Champions Cup as they suffered a third straight loss after being ousted by Bordeaux Begles at Sandy Park. Needing a win to keep their hopes alive, Rob Baxter’s side led 7-3 at the break in a tight affair thanks to a Jack Maunder score, with the only reply from the visitors a penalty via the boot of Baptiste Serin. But the Chiefs would go on to register nothing for the rest of the game as a Serin himself went over and fomer Leinster man Ian Madigan added the extras. Exeter battled but the fatal blow was struck when Lionel Beauxis became the third kicker of the evening, with his three points being the decisive factor. 

THE WINNERS: 

Bristol – A huge win for Bristol as they took victory in Europe for the first time in eight years whilst also grabbing what was just their second win of the season in all competitions (the other in the Anglo-Welsh Cup). Many believe today would be a chance for Bristol to get a positive result and they certainly delivered. Potentially the kick start that they need as they start to fall further behind in the Premiership each week.

Worcester – A poor run of results in the Premiership over the last few rounds, so a much-needed win for the Warriors in Europe, deserving of their place in the winner’s column this weekend. Not the toughest opposition in the Newport Gwent Dragons, however you can only beat what is in front of you and that’s exactly what they did.

Saracens – A twelfth consecutive win for Saracens in Europe after the demolition of Sale in High Barnet. Sarries are still the team to beat in Europe and whilst many don’t like the way they have went about things (myself included), Mark McCall and the team deserve enormous credit for what they have achieved over the last few seasons.

THE LOSERS:

Leicester – Pretty simple why Leicester are in the loser’s column this week. A hapless performance coupled with great rugby from Munster saw them totally embarrassed in Limerick. To be beaten by thirty plus points is bad, but to do it and be nilled and suffer your worst ever European defeat in the process is utterly abject. A bad week for Tigers fans.

Bath – You’d expect a lot more from Bath in Europe, especially against a team like the Cardiff Blues who have hardly been at the top of their game over the last few years, but it was very poor showing from Blackadder’s lot this time out. The Challenge Cup possibly presents the best chance of silverware for Bath this season and now the question must be asked: are they taking it seriously?

Northampton – What a week for Northampton. Not in a good way either, after the George North concussion shambles last week, Leinster came to town and delivered. Another defeat at home for the Saints and not to mention Dylan Hartley getting sent off with Eddie Jones in the crowd, watching on. Probably one to forget, but now they must go to the Aviva Stadium next week and try and enact revenge.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

*****

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Premiership Week 10 roundup

by Kristian Ross

Sale 3-21 Exeter (Fri):

Exeter continued their recent resurgence as they dismantled Sale at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. Despite an improved Sale this season, the home side provided little spectacle as Rob Baxter’s team made short work of the Sharks with all the points scored in the first half from either side. Will Chudley, James Short and a sharp blast of the referee’s whistle saw the Chiefs register a three try tally at the interval with AJ MacGinty’s solitary penalty giving Sale their only score of the match. A drab second half saw neither team live up to expectation as Exeter missed out on the bonus point, but come away with a very comfortable and albeit easy win.

Bath 14-11 Saracens (Sat):

Bath recorded a huge statement of intent as they provided Saracens second defeat of the season at The Rec on Saturday afternoon. The away side who had only been beaten twice in the Premiership since March were behind 11-8 at half time, after an entertaining first forty minutes that saw Max Clark and Sean Maitland trade tries either side of penalty kicks from Tom Homer and Alex Lozowski. Lozowksi brought the score level in the second half with a drop goal before Homer restored the three-point advantage for Todd Blackadder’s men. But despite a great season so far for Lozowski, it was a moment to forget as his penalty attempt at the end drifted wide as Bath kicked for touch to register a hugely important four points.

Gloucester 26-18 Bristol (Sat):

Gloucester made sure of a second consecutive home win as they beat winless Bristol in front of just under 15,000 at Kingsholm. Following a narrow defeat to Saracens in Round Nine, it was a slow start for the Cherry and Whites as Bristol led 6-0 at half time courtesy of two penalties from Jason Woodward. Interim boss Mark Tainton may have thought it was going to be a first win of Bristol, but the second half proved that incoming Connacht coach Pat Lam will have it all to do when he arrives next summer as the home side scored four tries with three of those coming inside a twenty-minute spell Willi Heinz, Matt Scott and a penalty award. Henry Purdy secured the bonus point, but not before Bristol had a late rally of their own with five pointers from James Wallace and Luke Arscott. However, the eight-point differential was enough to see the visitors come away with anything as David Humphrey’s outfit collected a maximum haul in their quest to climb the table.

Leicester 19-11 Northampton (Sat):

Northampton were consigned to a second Premiership defeat in a row as Leicester made it five on the bounce in all competitions with a well-earned win at Welford Road. However, the game was marred as George North was caught late in the air and subsequently spent a lengthy period on the turf as questions about concussions were raised once again following the Wales wing being allowed to return to play. In a narrow East Midland’s clash, it was Adam Thompstone who seized the initiative for the home side first, with Mikey Haywood scoring for the Saints with Northampton going into the break just two points behind. However, a poor second half from Jim Mallinder’s team saw them not register a point as Owen Williams and Freddie Burns added penalties to make sure the Tigers would receive the spoils. Luther Burrell was also binned in the first half in a match that will no doubt be remembered for the smashes and bashes as opposed to the result.

Worcester 12-26 Wasps (Sun):

Worcester’s miserable run in the Premiership continued as their losing streak extended to five games as high flying Wasps made short work of the Warriors at Sixways. All twelve points for the home side came in the first half and from a single player, as Jamie Shilcock nailed four penalties as former Leinster face Brendan Macken had given the away team the lead with his try after less than a minute on the scoreboard. Dan Robson scored the only try of the second half, as stand in out half Rob Miller added the extras as well as four penalties of his own as he provided excellent cover for the injured Jimmy Gopperth. Despite controlled dominance, Dai Young’s side were unable to get a sniff of a bonus point, but still managed to keep their tally ticking over in the Premiership table on what was yet another afternoon to forget for Worcester.

Newcastle 38-32 Harlequins (Sun):

Newcastle produced a stunning win in what was the Premiership result of the weekend, as they made it back to back victories with an excellent display against Harlequins. Dean Richard’s side crossed the whitewash six times as they led 21-8 at half time after Juan Pablo Socino, Mark Wilson and Micky Young all went over with the only decent Quins response coming from a Rob Buchanan score. In a truly epic second half battle, Socino put the Falcons seemingly out of reach before Karl Dickson went over twice as Harlequins came within a whisker of the men in black. Canadian international Evan Olmstead and Great Britain gold silver medallist Marcus Watson wrapped it up for the Falcons to secure a massive five-point bonus bonanza, but Tim Visser rescued a second bonus for Quins who left Kingston Park with a couple for their efforts.

THE WINNERS:

• Newcastle – If I could give all three winners spots to Newcastle this week, I probably would. Following a huge win last week in Northampton, Dean Richards side made it back to back wins and deservedly so in a devastating attacking performance. For the Falcons who have struggled so much in the last five years, this was a massive day for the club and the fans, pundits and players clearly thought so too. It means Newcastle have the same amount of Premiership wins as last season with less than half the season played, with a likely comfortable mid table finish expected as opposed to the usual relegation battle.
• Bath – After a few dodgy displays over the last few weeks, questions were perhaps starting to be asked but they have responded wonderfully with Saturday’s win over Saracens. The result is a massive achievement, with Mark McCall’s team easily the best side in Europe at the current point in time, but the context of the four points gained is massive too, with it all getting very tight at the top of the table.
• Leicester – Another win for the Tigers who are slowly but steadily gaining ground each week. Perhaps not the forgotten team as they are always up there, but Leicester have just one win less than the top three sides of Saracens, Wasps and Bath and if any of those clubs start dropping points, it could be Cockerill’s lot who take advantage, especially as they are current form team.

THE LOSERS:

• Sale – A very disappointing week for Sale. No zest, no flair, nothing of note. A huge shame considering they’ve looked a top six side at certain points this season with some very big results, but they were disastrously poor on Friday night and deservedly came away with nothing.
• Worcester – It was mentioned last week, but Worcester just keep on losing, whereas bottom side Bristol haven’t won a match, they have looked slightly better in the last few weeks, as opposed to this Warriors side that currently looks abject. Meanwhile, with an eight-point gap to make up, who is to say that the Warriors will be catching up with the rest of the pack anytime soon.
• Saracens -  Saracens ultimately didn’t play that badly at the weekend, but it’s the consequences of the result that have them fall into the bracket this time around. A big game against Bath goes begging, a penalty at the end missed (but let’s face it, you can always sew games up before those kicks are needed) and of course the gap between them and Wasps is now just a single point. Expect to see a big response next week against Sale at Allianz Park.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

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Premiership Week 9 roundup

by Kristian Ross

Northampton 16-22 Newcastle (Fri):

Newcastle produced a stunning performance as they got their second away win of the Premiership season with an upset at Franklin’s Gardens. Joel Hodgson got the Falcons off to a tremendous start, his early try paving the way for a memorable evening. Kieran Brookes was sent off against his former club, but Northampton clawed their way back into a match that saw just a single try from the Saints, coming from Christian Day, whilst academy graduate Will Witty touched down for Dean Richards side. Stephen Myler kept the scoreboard ticking over as he put the home team ahead with ten minutes remaining, but a late score from Vereniki Goneva ensure a massive four points to take back to the North East after a seriously impressive display.

Bristol 16-21 Leicester (Fri):

Bristol got a second losing bonus point in as many weeks as their brave effort wasn’t enough against Leicester on Friday night. The Tigers led at half time through Adam Thompstone’s try as the boot of Adrian Jarvis kept the home outfit within touching distance. However, a cutting edge second half display from Leicester had the game wrapped up when Ellis Genge went over, but Freddie Burns kept up his form with an eleven-point tally. Bristol fans did have something to cheer when former policeman Rob Hawkins got amongst the scoresheet, but it was a case of too little too late, as fans at Ashton Gate saw their sides winless run in the league extend to nine matches.

Exeter 57-22 Worcester (Sat):

Exeter scored over fifty points for the second home match in a row as they smashed Worcester at Sandy Park in the only Premiership fixture on Saturday. The Chiefs, who ran in sixty two points against Cardiff Blues in the Anglo-Welsh Cup two weeks ago were quick out the blocks again, dominating a 24-3 score line at the interval. A penalty try as well as scores from Jack Yeadle and Will Chudley were just reward as a rampant Exeter side made short work of Worcester after the break. Eight tries were scored in all, with James Short, Carl Rimmer, Thomas Waldrom, Olly Woodburn and former Ulster back Ian Whitten all getting in on the act in the second half. Despite the influx of tries from Rob Baxter’s side, Worcester themselves did improve marginally as they crossed the whitewash through Dewald Potgieter, Josh Adams and the reliable Wynand Olivier, however the game was all but over in an afternoon that belonged to clinical Chiefs side.

Saracens 24-20 Gloucester (Sun):

Saracens made it eight wins out of a possible nine in the Aviva Premiership after seeing off an extremely stubborn Gloucester side at Allianz Park on Sunday. The away side, who have improved dramatically in the last few weeks led by two points at half time, thanks to tries from Ben Morgan who opened the account for the Cherry and Whites inside a minute and from Billy Burns as Brad Barrit and Mike Ellery kept Sarries in the hunt. However, despite a first half that produced four tries, the second period belonged to the kickers as James Hook and Alex Lozowski became the stars of the show. Unfortunately for the travelling fans, it was Lozowski who won the duel, with another shrewd performance this season as his four kicks in the match were enough to seal a victory to make sure that once again, Saracens would be top of the pile at the end of another round.

Wasps 34-24 Sale (Sun):

Wasps got back to winning ways after a disappointing round eight as they were too good for Sale at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday afternoon. The match was essentially over as a contest at half time, Danny Cipriani touching down for the home side as Ashley Johnson scored a brace to give Dai Young’s men a commanding lead. Bryn Evans scored after the restart, as American out half AJ MacGinty somehow got Sale in front, but Rob Miller got two tries in as many minutes to kill off any chance of a Sharks fightback. Evans got the third brace of the match along with Mike Haley, but Wasps produced a measured game to see out what may be an important four points in the race for the top spot.

Harlequins 21-20 Bath (Sun):

Harlequins took a big win against Bath as they edged a tough game at the Twickenham Stoop. It was an encounter that was possibly the tightest of the season, with just a one point differential at the break as well as the full-time whistle as Tim Visser and Kane Palma-Newport traded scores in the first forty minutes. Karl Dickson was the man to put Quins in control, but as Bath edged ahead through Nathan Catt, it looked like it was going to be another good day at the office for Todd Blackadder and co. However, if many have argued that Quins may not be quite there in terms of squad depth, it was one for the naysayers this week as young out-half Tim Swiel got the vital kick that meant the away side would have to settle for a losing bonus point as opposed to all four as Harlequins stepped up their intent of breaking into the top four.

THE WINNERS:

• Newcastle – Before this season, the Falcons hadn’t won an away game in two years. Incredibly, they now have two away wins in nine matches and probably against the most unlikely opposition in Northampton and Gloucester. Either way, this win showed once again the improvement this season from Dean Richards side. The result is now surely the one that sees the Falcons safe, who now could be on to finish in a very good position after three solid years of eleventh place mediocrity.
• Harlequins – All around, a good performance by Quins and an even better result. Still unlikely they will make the top four, but a good home record and some potential slip ups may just go in their favour. There is still a long way to go, but should they keep chipping away at The Stoop this season, something special may happen.
• Gloucester – Yes, it’s true. Gloucester make the winners column despite losing. The first team to do so since the opening day of the season when Bristol’s spirited performance over Quins got them in. Glos make it for the same reason. Despite the defeat to Saracens, seemingly it looks like they may have finally got their act together after a poor start, having been the most improved side in the last few weeks. If it wasn’t for Lozowkski, David Humphrey’s team may have just edged it at the weekend at Allianz Park and it’s for that reason they find themselves in the prestigious three team section.

THE LOSERS:

• Northampton – And just when you thought Northampton had turned a corner…. they go and lose at home to a side that has one away win in two years. That is no disrespect to the Falcons, who thoroughly deserved their win in the Midlands, but after a fantastic few weeks in which Saints had finally started putting a decent set of results together, they get beaten on their home patch at a crucial point of the season. Disappointing for Mallinder and the fans.
• Bath – Harsh maybe, but this was a Todd Blackadder match that Bath should have won. It may be premature, but the glossiness of the start of the season seems to be losing its shine slightly for Bath and this was a frustrating game to lose. Still in the playoff spots, but a win that could have kept them second. Instead, they’re replaced by Wasps.
• Worcester – A big defeat for Worcester sees them in the loser’s column and in fairness, it is fully deserved. Whilst winless Bristol probably won’t catch them, they are in a downward spiral and are now eight points behind tenth spot. Fair enough, Exeter on their day are very difficult to play against, but to ship that many points is criminal, having conceded just one converted try less (+7) than the Premiership’s bottom side.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

*****

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Premiership Week 8 roundup

by Kristian Ross

Worcester 17-18 Northampton (Fri):

Northampton continued their resurgence under Jim Mallinder after a narrow one point deficit was enough for them to take the spoils at Sixways. The Warriors who led 10-9 at the break proved a real test for a strong Saints side, but ultimately were outdone by the boot of Stephen Myler, who kicked a hugely impressive six penalties to give the away side the win. Dean Hammond got the first try for Worcester alongside another score from Bryce Heem in the second half in a match that could have so easily went another way if it wasn’t for lack of discipline. 

Bath 16-9 Bristol (Fri):

Bath put a disappointing two weeks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup behind them as they overcame winless local rivals Bristol at The Rec. In the second of Friday’s low scoring Premiership clashes, a stubborn Bristol side gave Bath problems, however Jack Wilson’s try alongside three penalties from Matt Homer ensured a victory for Todd Bladdacker’s side. Bristol rarely threatened themselves, but did grab an important bonus point thanks to out half Billy Searle.

Newcastle 19-32 Exeter (Fri):

Exeter relieved their woes after a disastrous few weeks as they comprehensively took a four try bonus point win at Kingston Park. The ever-reliable Thomas Waldrom and Ollie Devoto had the Chiefs firmly in control before Scott Lawson hit back with a try of his own to put the Falcons back into contention. However, Gareth Steenson’s array of penalties gave Exeter firm advantage before Will Chudley and James Short made sure of an away victory, despite a late flurry as Matthew Tait crossed the whitewash and Mike Delany tried to claw something back via the kicking tee. 

Gloucester 36-18 Wasps (Sat):

Gloucester produced arguably the result of the season as they thrashed high fliers Wasps at Kingsholm. With a patchy home record and an ability of failing to kill off games, many had not given the home side a chance but David Humphrey’s side romped to victory with a classy display. Richard Hibbard’s try had Gloucester ahead at the break along with a James Hook penalty as Tom Young kept Wasps in the hunt with a score. Mark Atkinson gave the Cherry and Whites some breathing space, but Young went in again as Gloucester were unable to shake off a resilient side. However, three tries from Henry Purdy, Charlie Sharples and Matt Scott saw the home team firmly in control, as a disappointing Wasps team were given a rude awakening. 

Sale 13-28 Saracens (Sun):

Current champions Saracens returned to the summit of the Premiership after a routine win in Greater Manchester over Sale. Once again, Alex Lozowksi impressed with the boot, with a thirteen-point tally alongside tries from Marcelo Bosch, Matt Gallagher and Ben Spencer. Sale could only managed a single try through Josh Beaumont, with former Connacht out half AJ MacGinty providing the extras, but an assured Sarries performance was more than enough to topple the Sharks in a deserved victory. 

Leicester 25-6 Harlequins (Sun):

Leicester boosted their chances of securing a Premiership playoff spot at the end of the season as Freddie Burns destroyed Harlequins at Welford Road. Burns who managed a conversion, a drop goal and five penalties controlled throughout coming away with a haul of twenty points of his own. Owen Williams should his worth again with a try as Harlequins failed to deal with a tactically astute side from Richard Cockerill who got the second half exactly right after leading 9-6 at HT. And it was those six points from Nick Evans in the first half was all that could be managed by Quins, who were outplayed massively in the second forty.

THE WINNERS: 

Gloucester – Super, attacking rugby. Far too many times this season Gloucester should have edged over the line but have been beaten by the opposition. Physiological perhaps, but a nervy ending doesn’t make good for any fan. Fortunately, it wasn’t the case this week, dominating well against a team that could well be champions at the end of the season. One off or not, a much-needed win.

Leicester – A good day at the office for the Tigers despite a miss able first half at Welford Road. Bottom line, a big four points as they attempt to keep plugging away enough to secure that playoff spot come May. The win comes against a side that should be challenging themselves, so any victories like this one will be sure to keep Richard Cockerill happy at the end of the season.

Northampton – Northampton have turned a corner in the last few weeks. Many panicked, myself included, but the Saints are now just four points within the top four places. A single point win that probably should have been more, but Mallinder deserves credit, with the new few weeks looking like the most important in Northampton’s season. 

THE LOSERS:

Wasps – Hard to believe that Wasps could be beaten so badly, but the Premiership is a league that does throw up surprises and Wasps were soundly beaten at the weekend. Not only did Gloucester run away with the win, but Wasps fell away in the second half. Dai Young will be disappointed and despite the flair and style, you just get the feeling they don’t have the efficiency of Saracens, who now look to be Wasps biggest thorn in their side. 

Harlequins – No doubt Leicester were brilliant, but Harlequins rolled over in a game that they were only three points behind in at half time. Yes, conditions were wet, but the Tigers adapted and Quins… well they didn’t. If you are going to make a top four push, these are the big games that matter. Harlequins looked nothing like a top four side at the weekend.

Sale – In fairness, the final losing spot could have gone to anyone this week… but it has gone to Sale. They’ve looked relatively decent this season at home and would have hoped to have been better against an albeit excellent Saracens side. However they still seem to be exceeding expectations according to many.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

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Why the All Blacks aren’t a special case…

by Kristian Ross

With the Guinness Series coming to an end this weekend against Australia, Irish Rugby can take many positives from a few weeks that has seen them topple the mighty New Zealand and blood youth against Canada in what has no doubt given pundits and fans alike a real sense that this improving side could be the start of something very special.

Ireland’s defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday was nonetheless disappointing. What they did right in Chicago at Soldier Field could not be repeated at a packed-out Aviva Stadium, despite a huge amount of possession. The All Blacks deserved the win and on the day, the home side simply weren’t good enough.

But a real storm is brewing and it’s seemingly about a phrase of playing “close to the edge”. If you’re a rugby fan, watching the New Zealand national side over the last five years has been nothing short of brilliant, a team that is not only on a wavelength with each other that has never been seen before, but one that has provided some of the most spectacular test matches.

However, the All Blacks committed numerous infringements at the breakdown in D4 at the start of the weekend, not to mention the high tackles of Sam Cane and Malakai Fekitoa.  Now it seems almost redundant as both players have been cited, but a serious injury to the players on the end of those tackles could have told a different story. The problem is, they’ve been defended for it, with the aforementioned statement of “they play close to the edge”. What exactly does that mean? It’s probably up to you to decide, but for me that means playing to the very boundaries of the rules but not breaking them.

Unfortunately for Ireland, Jaco Peyper’s reluctance over the weekend to stamp his authority on the game sparked a real debate. He almost seemed scared of a backlash from the All Black side and often referred to his TMO, Jon Mason. Steve Hansen was clearly disappointed that the All Blacks conceded well over ten penalties and lost two players to the sin bin, something the Joe Schmidt’s side should have capitalised on, but didn’t.

Ultimately, if this had been say Wales or France or any other rugby nation, provincial or club side that made it into double figures for a penalty count or had two players yellow carded, there would be no debate. No talk of playing “close to the edge”. Just dirty play and let’s face it, some of the All Black tackles were not appropriate but because of the unparalleled success and domination over the last few years, it seems many find it wrong to criticise them. Perhaps the question should be asked of the officials at the weekend, in a match that was clearly frustrating for Rory Best, who seemed genuinely concerned at times that Peyper and co weren’t doing their job, not just in terms of the breakdown, but a forward pass for the final New Zealand try and Beauden Barrett’s score that like suspiciously like it may not have been grounded.

But at almost the end of a long year, let’s remember the All Blacks are not the be all and end all of rugby, many great teams have come and gone and no doubt one day they will be overtaken. They aren’t the invincible, perfect and wonderful team that many in the rugby world believe. Let’s now be clear, the All Blacks are not a special case and the sooner some realise that… the better.

@Kristian7Ross - 22, Geordie, part time journalist and Irish Rugby fan.

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