Log in
Log in

PRO12: Leinster 42 Ravens 13

by

John McMurtry

–

, ,

This match panned out pretty much as expected. A spirited effort from Ulster’s youngsters was ultimately annulled by Leinster’s continuity, with the Dublin side easing clear in the final quarter of the game. The score-sheet shows six tries to one in favour of the home side but, despite the score, the Ravens showed enough to turn a questioning spotlight on the cowardly capitulation of the coaching staff before a ball was kicked.

With the Ravens forcing their way into the game in the second half, with a well taken try by Chris Cochrane, it’s a pity that Ulster didn’t have some experience to bring off the bench to push for at least a losing bonus. The misguided decision to leave the likes of Afoa, Best, Cave, Faloon, Ferris, Gilroy, Henry, Humphreys, Jackson, Muller, Pienaar, Spence,  Terblanche, Trimble, Tuohy, Wannenburg and Whitten at home with their feet up was a damning statement of the lack of belief the coaching staff have in their charges.

Ignoring the availability, or lack thereof, of the Irish front-line players there is no justification for why the experienced, and handsomely paid, Muller, Pienaar, Afoa, Terblanche (all who have played comparatively little . . .

You will need to log in or register to read the rest of this article. If you have not already registered you can click here to register.

In 2022 we added 102,631 new images in 510 galleries with a gallery breakdown of 263 Rugby, 217 Hockey and 30 Athletics. Your registration and subscription will help us to continue.

Thanks.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 responses to “PRO12: Leinster 42 Ravens 13”

  1. johnny king

    Went to The Errigle for this one with my cub and was fearing the worst. Actually thought it was a great game played for the most part with ball-in-hand. If our 1st choice XV had been stuffed 42-13 by Leinster’s 1st choice XV I don’t think anyone would have been that surprised. As it was, I thought the final score flattered Leinster. Our youngsters were outstanding in the effort they put in. Our senior players could learn a lesson from that.

    Reply
  2. Raging Raven

    Mr Potato Head (The ref) may have awarded a number of penalties when it didn’t matter but when it did matter he couldn’t wait to penalise the Ulster scrum and was even sprinting towards the posts before he blew up for the penalty try. Black and Macklin are still too small, the days of mighty mouse are over.

    What a useless stat regarding tackles , I have seen girls put in better tackles this season than Diack’s woeful effort against the fat New Zealander before he wandered over between the posts. Missing 20 odd tackles a match is nothing to be proud of.

    Reply
  3. John

    Think you are wrong about the front row. If a smaller player has good technique they have a definite advantage against larger props. Black in particular got the better of Ross forcing him to push down, nullified his bulk completely (which is his only strong point) and resulted in five penalties for Ulster. On top of that Black had a good game round the park – we’ll be hearing a lot more of him.

    While Diack may not have caught the eye of the casual supporter I thought he had a great game supporting the youngsters admirably. Nearly always the second man in the tackle he put in a lot of work without looking flashy in what was a difficult night.

    Ulster put in 177 tackles compared to Leinster’s 75 with less than 10% missed so I think this had something to do with keeping the scoreline well under 60.

    Reply
  4. Raging Raven

    In all honesty the scoreline flattered Ulster, Leinster where held up 3 times in goal and should have scored 3 more trys taking the score to the 60’s. As well as Macklin and Black performed they are midgets and unless we enter a league for persons of restricted growth what are they doing playing with the big boys? I was a big fan of Diack but maybe McGlock has been right to keep him out of the squad, he played second fiddle to a fat New Zealander who normally plies his trade in the All Ireland League all match. Birch impressed but he has no chance in McGlocks backrow. I would like to see all of the backs get more game time but not at the same time. Nelson is the only back this year who actually seamed to inject pace into the line which is refreshing. I agree completely with Ed regarding the non use of senior players, Leinster started with 10 internationals are we really that far behind them? Thankfully this will be McGlocks last Christmas with Ulster and he can go back to doing what he does best, coaching children.

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Reply

Corrections, comments or questions?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

IF in Doubt, sit them out

Download the UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport Here

RUGBY
PRINTS AND DOWNLOADS

Latest In Provincial Rugby