Ravens squad announced
An interesting team selection.
I want to point out, that Annett is already captain of the Ravens, which bodes well for the future, I think he is a super player.
Heaney has come on a lot, and Olding looks a prospect too. McIlroy and Scholes in the back three are both exciting prospects, and Ali Birch was amazing a few weeks ago against Munster scoring a try.
Update: Lost 8-14.
Munster A team
Great to see Stander and Dougall coming back from injury. I would like to see people like Scott Deasy, Danny Barnes, Ivan Dineen, Ian Nagle and JJ Hanrahan push for a spot on the first XV soon.
Leinster A team
Good to see Kearney back too. Maybe now I'll get to see what everyone else is fussing about over him.
I haven't seen Jordan Coughlan play since the attempt to move him into inside centre, hopefully he is developing hands and coming good. He was a great back rower, which is handy at 12, and it's good vision from Schmidt to see that there aren't too many 12's coming through, and a buttload of 6's.
Noel Reid seems immense at this level, but needs to start cutting out the mistakes when given the chance. It's a big year for him with his contract up at the end of the year.
At loosehead, it's interesting to see Jack McGrath as the captain over someone with more experience. Hopefully he'll be a leader and challenge Healy soon. Good to keep an eye on Marshall, Flanagan, and Gilsenan in the pack too.
On the bench, I think Luke McGrath is a super talent, as we will see in the U-20's 6 nations this year, and Cathal Marsh is a bag of tricks, but needs more solidity. Apart from that, Jack Conan impressed me at 20's level, and van der Flier and James Tracy have been mentioned favourably to me.
Friday, 11 January 2013
Thursday, 10 January 2013
State of the squad: Leinster (forwards)
No matter what sport it is, I'm a big believer in having at least two strong options for each position.
So I'm going to go around the Irish teams and see where the strength is, who needs to improve and where we need strengthening.
Leinster:
1. Loosehead prop.
The first position here has two full internationals of serious note. Cian Healy and Heinke van der Merwe are not only two of the best loosehead props in the Northern Hemisphere, but the combination of the two of them of the bench really brings the best out of each of them. Especially Healy, who is learning a lot from van der Merwe. Healy knows he can play as hard as he can for 60 minutes and he'll be replaced. Whereas when van der Merwe is not on the bench Healy feels he needs to last the game, and isn't as effective as he tries to conserve energy.
Jack McGrath is also on the horizon, and looks a decent prospect. He will need to start improving soon and challenge van der Merwe. With the IRFU foreign player policy coming in soon, it's unlikely van der Merwe will be around much longer.
2. Hooker
Another position that Leinster are blessed in. Richardt Strauss and Sean Cronin are very much like Healy and van der Merwe. They both bring different attributes to the party too. Strauss acts like an extra openside, bringing a vital instinct to the team that both Leinster and Ireland do not have enough of.
Both need to improve the line-out throwing and scrummaging, but it's promising times.
There doesn't seem to be an outstanding candidate as a youthful backup. I don't rate Aaron Dundon (late twenties anyway). It reminds to be seen if either of those Byrne twins from Clongowes last year are worth all the fuss.
3. Tighthead Prop.
Mike Ross has this position sewn up. I thought after Bent's Taranaki performances and cameo's for Ireland that he was the real deal scrummaging-wise. But he seems to be caught out at Pro 12 level, which is extremely worrying.
This is a position where Bent needs to improve his scrummaging immeasurably. Because even though he brings nothing else to the table, a tighthead doesn't have to.
In the ranks are Jamie Hagan, who appears to be flattering to deceive and looks like he will never be more than a Pro 12 player. Martin Moore is another youngster coming through, but I don't want to get my hopes up.
4 & 5. Second Row.
Leo is still the main second row for the Heineken Cup champions. Unfortunately is appears that Devin Toner will never make the step up from Pro 12 player to effective Heineken Cup second row.
Damien Browne seems like a workhorse, and effective Pro 12, and occasionally Heineken Cup pool player. But he's very limited without embarrassing himself.
Quinn Roux seems to be the real deal, based on the South African newspapers and websites. He is highly rated back in his home country, and was initially rated higher than Eben Etzebeth when the two were emerging just a year ago before injuries scuppered his Super Rugby season last year. Roux was included in Meyer's extended training camps in the season before he left, and there was a general expectation in South Africa that he would have made the team in a year or two's time. I've also seen a few articles from around the time of the announcement suggesting that Roux will go back to South Africa at the end of the year, which hopefully won't happen, but if so that means the signing of McCarthy for next season makes a lot more sense.
Quinn Roux Link 1
Quinn Roux Link 2
Tom Denton is a young English born, Irish qualified second row. He seems decent, was highly rated in England, so he might have a chance. I haven't seen anything special from the few viewings I've had of him, but I would like to see more.
Ben Marshall is the academy player coming through. He has been quite impressive at blindside when appearing, and seemed impressive when appearing for the U-20's a few years ago.
I don't know enough about Mark Flanagan to comment.
To me, Roux is the big hope, and hopefully Denton and Marshall can step up, but none of them seem good enough at the moment. They are all young though, so here's hoping.
6. Blindside Flanker.
In my eyes, there is a back-row spot up for grabs. Only Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip are guaranteed first XV spots in my eyes.
Sean O'Brien is the best blindside in the squad. He isn't a natural openside, but he's also the best openside in the squad.
Kevin McLaughlin seems to be next in the pecking order, but I'm a huge fan of Rhys Ruddock, and would love to see him nail the other guaranteed spot. He needs to improve his ball-carrying, breakdown work and line-out abilities but he is coming along nicely.
Jordi Murphy is coming up from the academy and is making huge strides, which will hopefully push Ruddock. Blindside is not a position to worry about.
7. Openside Flanker.
A position that needs a bit of development, but I have some theories about the future of opensides to come in a later blog post.
Again, Sean O'Brien is the best openside available, but it negates the devastating ball carrying abilities that he possesses, so it'd not ideal for him to play here. I also think Heaslip, Healy and Strauss as well as D'Arcy and O'Driscoll display a lot of good fetching work one would associate as a primary role of an openside flanker.
Shane Jennings has been in great form this season, but I wouldn't consider him international class, he barely passes at Heineken Cup level.
Dominic Ryan seems to be the next best thing, and he needs a year without injury. Along with Ruddock, I think he has a great chance of cementing his place in the team. I do think he might be more of a 6 though.
8.
Jamie Heaslip is still world class. He may not be in as good form as 2009, but he is still one of the top 5 best no. 8's in the world with Read, Harinordoqouy and Parisse.
Leo Auva'a seems like a big ball carrying 8 too, he seems a bit one-dimensional, and should try and incorporate more sense and work ethic into his game. He's only young so there is time too.
So I'm going to go around the Irish teams and see where the strength is, who needs to improve and where we need strengthening.
Leinster:
1. Loosehead prop.
The first position here has two full internationals of serious note. Cian Healy and Heinke van der Merwe are not only two of the best loosehead props in the Northern Hemisphere, but the combination of the two of them of the bench really brings the best out of each of them. Especially Healy, who is learning a lot from van der Merwe. Healy knows he can play as hard as he can for 60 minutes and he'll be replaced. Whereas when van der Merwe is not on the bench Healy feels he needs to last the game, and isn't as effective as he tries to conserve energy.
Jack McGrath is also on the horizon, and looks a decent prospect. He will need to start improving soon and challenge van der Merwe. With the IRFU foreign player policy coming in soon, it's unlikely van der Merwe will be around much longer.
2. Hooker
Another position that Leinster are blessed in. Richardt Strauss and Sean Cronin are very much like Healy and van der Merwe. They both bring different attributes to the party too. Strauss acts like an extra openside, bringing a vital instinct to the team that both Leinster and Ireland do not have enough of.
Both need to improve the line-out throwing and scrummaging, but it's promising times.
There doesn't seem to be an outstanding candidate as a youthful backup. I don't rate Aaron Dundon (late twenties anyway). It reminds to be seen if either of those Byrne twins from Clongowes last year are worth all the fuss.
3. Tighthead Prop.
Mike Ross has this position sewn up. I thought after Bent's Taranaki performances and cameo's for Ireland that he was the real deal scrummaging-wise. But he seems to be caught out at Pro 12 level, which is extremely worrying.
This is a position where Bent needs to improve his scrummaging immeasurably. Because even though he brings nothing else to the table, a tighthead doesn't have to.
In the ranks are Jamie Hagan, who appears to be flattering to deceive and looks like he will never be more than a Pro 12 player. Martin Moore is another youngster coming through, but I don't want to get my hopes up.
4 & 5. Second Row.
Leo is still the main second row for the Heineken Cup champions. Unfortunately is appears that Devin Toner will never make the step up from Pro 12 player to effective Heineken Cup second row.
Damien Browne seems like a workhorse, and effective Pro 12, and occasionally Heineken Cup pool player. But he's very limited without embarrassing himself.
Quinn Roux seems to be the real deal, based on the South African newspapers and websites. He is highly rated back in his home country, and was initially rated higher than Eben Etzebeth when the two were emerging just a year ago before injuries scuppered his Super Rugby season last year. Roux was included in Meyer's extended training camps in the season before he left, and there was a general expectation in South Africa that he would have made the team in a year or two's time. I've also seen a few articles from around the time of the announcement suggesting that Roux will go back to South Africa at the end of the year, which hopefully won't happen, but if so that means the signing of McCarthy for next season makes a lot more sense.
Quinn Roux Link 1
Quinn Roux Link 2
Tom Denton is a young English born, Irish qualified second row. He seems decent, was highly rated in England, so he might have a chance. I haven't seen anything special from the few viewings I've had of him, but I would like to see more.
Ben Marshall is the academy player coming through. He has been quite impressive at blindside when appearing, and seemed impressive when appearing for the U-20's a few years ago.
I don't know enough about Mark Flanagan to comment.
To me, Roux is the big hope, and hopefully Denton and Marshall can step up, but none of them seem good enough at the moment. They are all young though, so here's hoping.
6. Blindside Flanker.
In my eyes, there is a back-row spot up for grabs. Only Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip are guaranteed first XV spots in my eyes.
Sean O'Brien is the best blindside in the squad. He isn't a natural openside, but he's also the best openside in the squad.
Kevin McLaughlin seems to be next in the pecking order, but I'm a huge fan of Rhys Ruddock, and would love to see him nail the other guaranteed spot. He needs to improve his ball-carrying, breakdown work and line-out abilities but he is coming along nicely.
Jordi Murphy is coming up from the academy and is making huge strides, which will hopefully push Ruddock. Blindside is not a position to worry about.
7. Openside Flanker.
A position that needs a bit of development, but I have some theories about the future of opensides to come in a later blog post.
Again, Sean O'Brien is the best openside available, but it negates the devastating ball carrying abilities that he possesses, so it'd not ideal for him to play here. I also think Heaslip, Healy and Strauss as well as D'Arcy and O'Driscoll display a lot of good fetching work one would associate as a primary role of an openside flanker.
Shane Jennings has been in great form this season, but I wouldn't consider him international class, he barely passes at Heineken Cup level.
Dominic Ryan seems to be the next best thing, and he needs a year without injury. Along with Ruddock, I think he has a great chance of cementing his place in the team. I do think he might be more of a 6 though.
8.
Jamie Heaslip is still world class. He may not be in as good form as 2009, but he is still one of the top 5 best no. 8's in the world with Read, Harinordoqouy and Parisse.
Leo Auva'a seems like a big ball carrying 8 too, he seems a bit one-dimensional, and should try and incorporate more sense and work ethic into his game. He's only young so there is time too.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Leinster vs Connacht
Final Score 17-0
First off, I fancied Connacht from the start. After 30 mins, I fancied them even more. I thought the Leinster team was one of the worst named I've seen in a long time; with both the backline and front five looking very dodgy.
Conway and Carr have become liabilities, Goodman does not live up to his name, Bent does unfortunately.
And Connacht have showed, this season in particular, that they are no mugs anymore.
In any case, after the try against the run of play, Connacht didn't look the same side.
Individual stand-outs, and there wasn't as many as Munster and Ulster were Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock. Both showed they are ahead of the vast improving Jordi Murphy, who does not have enough control at the base of a scrum to be an 8. Kevin MacLaughlin and Shane Jennings will be wary as both of these lads are making strong cases for promotion and I think should be soon.
As for Connacht, Henshaw looked exciting, but like Luke Marshall, showed his youth at times by taking the wrong options, and making silly errors that experience teaches you not to do. He has some way to go yet.
Marmion however was immense, quick passing, some slick breaks and took control of the game at times. He had a lot of clever kicks over the top. I'd have him ahead of Murray in the Irish set up.
Although I'd have a lot of scrum halves ahead of Murray.
First off, I fancied Connacht from the start. After 30 mins, I fancied them even more. I thought the Leinster team was one of the worst named I've seen in a long time; with both the backline and front five looking very dodgy.
Conway and Carr have become liabilities, Goodman does not live up to his name, Bent does unfortunately.
And Connacht have showed, this season in particular, that they are no mugs anymore.
In any case, after the try against the run of play, Connacht didn't look the same side.
Individual stand-outs, and there wasn't as many as Munster and Ulster were Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock. Both showed they are ahead of the vast improving Jordi Murphy, who does not have enough control at the base of a scrum to be an 8. Kevin MacLaughlin and Shane Jennings will be wary as both of these lads are making strong cases for promotion and I think should be soon.
As for Connacht, Henshaw looked exciting, but like Luke Marshall, showed his youth at times by taking the wrong options, and making silly errors that experience teaches you not to do. He has some way to go yet.
Marmion however was immense, quick passing, some slick breaks and took control of the game at times. He had a lot of clever kicks over the top. I'd have him ahead of Murray in the Irish set up.
Although I'd have a lot of scrum halves ahead of Murray.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Munster vs Ulster Review
Final score 24-10.
Despite the score there was some good performances from both sides.
Paddy Butler and Tommy O'Donnell (man of the match) were everywhere, smashing into the breakdown, making big tackles. O'Donnell showed me that that one performance against Glasgow wasn't a once-off.
A lot of the young "tyros" from Ulster put in some great performances too. Chris Cochrane showed some promise from the start, but I was most impressed with Stuart Olding, Niall Annett, Ali Birch and Michael Heaney from the bench.
Annett was the under 20's captain for the last two years, hit every line-out jumper, and the scrum improved immeasurably when he cam on. That may be because of Tom Court's appearance too, but Annett showed me a lot more than I was expecting at this stage and he needs to be considered as the back up to Rory Best and getting more chances.
Stuart Olding came on and showed some good touches. He has a great pass off both hands, took his conversion well, and kicking out of hand was very impressive. I'd like to see more of him. He looked better than Niall O'Connor, but it's a bit soon to call for more.
Michael Heaney was awesome. He seems like a younger Paul Marshall. He was energetic, a livewire and upped the tempo. The consolation Ulster try was made by his break, step and awesome over the shoulder offload. I'd love to see more of him, but with Marshall and Pienaar ahead of him it may not happen.
First I'd seen of Ali Birch, a 24 year old Irish blindside flanker, but it was hard not to notice him. Made one great break after a brilliant dummy, showed strength and pace to get away and hold up and wait for support, He took the try really well too.
But one player who stood out for me in the end was Luke Marshall. Admittedly, in the beginning I saw a lot of errors, some inexperienced giving away of penalties, and he was caught out badly for a O'Mahony break when Marshall was sinbinned.
But, he redeemed himself with some huge hits, constantly tackling much bigger players and putting them backwards, I counted a number of turnovers from him too. He also stood up and took responsibility, with some great kicks to the corners, strong carrying and showed he has a bit of a step too.
Future doesn't look so bleak, but these lads need some chances.
Despite the score there was some good performances from both sides.
Paddy Butler and Tommy O'Donnell (man of the match) were everywhere, smashing into the breakdown, making big tackles. O'Donnell showed me that that one performance against Glasgow wasn't a once-off.
A lot of the young "tyros" from Ulster put in some great performances too. Chris Cochrane showed some promise from the start, but I was most impressed with Stuart Olding, Niall Annett, Ali Birch and Michael Heaney from the bench.
Annett was the under 20's captain for the last two years, hit every line-out jumper, and the scrum improved immeasurably when he cam on. That may be because of Tom Court's appearance too, but Annett showed me a lot more than I was expecting at this stage and he needs to be considered as the back up to Rory Best and getting more chances.
Stuart Olding came on and showed some good touches. He has a great pass off both hands, took his conversion well, and kicking out of hand was very impressive. I'd like to see more of him. He looked better than Niall O'Connor, but it's a bit soon to call for more.
Michael Heaney was awesome. He seems like a younger Paul Marshall. He was energetic, a livewire and upped the tempo. The consolation Ulster try was made by his break, step and awesome over the shoulder offload. I'd love to see more of him, but with Marshall and Pienaar ahead of him it may not happen.
First I'd seen of Ali Birch, a 24 year old Irish blindside flanker, but it was hard not to notice him. Made one great break after a brilliant dummy, showed strength and pace to get away and hold up and wait for support, He took the try really well too.
But one player who stood out for me in the end was Luke Marshall. Admittedly, in the beginning I saw a lot of errors, some inexperienced giving away of penalties, and he was caught out badly for a O'Mahony break when Marshall was sinbinned.
But, he redeemed himself with some huge hits, constantly tackling much bigger players and putting them backwards, I counted a number of turnovers from him too. He also stood up and took responsibility, with some great kicks to the corners, strong carrying and showed he has a bit of a step too.
Future doesn't look so bleak, but these lads need some chances.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
2013 Wishlist
I thought I'd make a list of things I want to happen in the new year.
Ulster Rugby:
Jared Payne will declare for Ireland.
Luke Marshall to cement his place in the Ulster first XV.
Paul Marshall to get a chance for Ireland.
Craig Gilroy to continue to improve and take his chances.
Darren Cave to get more chances for Ireland.
Declan Fitzpatrick to get more games.
Stephen Ferris to not get injured.
Stuart Olding to get a few chances.
Niall Annett to start becoming second choice hooker.
Chris Cochrane to get more games.
Michael Heaney to get a few games
Connacht Rugby:
To qualify for the Heineken Cup again.
To start finishing at least 8th in the Pro12.
Denis Buckley to cement his place in the first XV
Eoin Griffen to start in the first XV
Mick Kearney to be first choice
Aaron Conneely get more games
Daniel Qualter to get more games
Conor Finn to get a chance
Shane Leydon to get a chance
Tiernan O'Hallorhan to get a go with Ireland
Kieran Marmion to get a chance with Ireland
Robbie Henshaw get a chance with Ireland
Munster Rugby:
Make the Rabo Pro12 playoffs
Make at least the Amlin Quarters 12/13
Stephen Archer to improve and get more games
Danny Barnes to get more opportunities
Paddy Butler to keep improving and make the first XV
Scott Deasy to get a chance
Ivan Dineen to get a chance
Sean Dougall to improve and get games
JJ Hanrahan to get a chance
Felix Jones to not get injured
David Kilcoyne to improve and challenge Healy
Conor Murray to improve his tempo and passing and kicking. Take less steps
Ian Nagle to show his potential
Dave O'Callaghan to keep improving
Paul O'Connell to not get injured
Luke O'Dea to show he is special
Tommy O'Donnell to prove that one performance wasn't a one-off
John Ryan to challenge Archer
Sean Scanlon to show something
Mike Sherry to improve his throwing
CJ Stander to not get injured
Simon Zebo to prove me wrong and he is something a little different
Leinster Rugby:
Win the Rabo
Qualify for the Heineken Quarters
Not be drawn against Clermont in the pool stages in 13/14
Michael Bent to show he can scrum
Andrew Conway to show his potential
Sean Cronin to improve scrummaging and throwing
Tom Denton to challenge for the first team
Luke Fitzgerald to not get injured and show his potential
Jamie Hagan to challenge for the first team
Fergus McFadden to find a position
Jack McGrath to challenge Healy
Brian O'Driscoll to not get injured and consider RWC
Eoin O'Malley to not get injured and challenge
Quinn Roux to show he is awesome and not get injured
Rhys Ruddock make the first XV
Dominic Ryan to show he is an openside of quality
Ben Marshall to start challenging for the first team
Luke McGrath to get a chance
Jordi Murphy to keep improving and start challenging full time for a first team jersey
Noel Reid to get contract and cut out the errors
Lions:
No Ashton, Armitage or Hartley
O'Driscoll and O'Connell
Sean Maitland has declared for Scotland and gets a call up.
Some young bolters.
An entertaining and exciting squad and style of play.
A victory.
Ireland.
Beat NZ.
Show promise.
Look like you can score at anytime.
Play smart rugby
Ulster Rugby:
Jared Payne will declare for Ireland.
Luke Marshall to cement his place in the Ulster first XV.
Paul Marshall to get a chance for Ireland.
Craig Gilroy to continue to improve and take his chances.
Darren Cave to get more chances for Ireland.
Declan Fitzpatrick to get more games.
Stephen Ferris to not get injured.
Stuart Olding to get a few chances.
Niall Annett to start becoming second choice hooker.
Chris Cochrane to get more games.
Michael Heaney to get a few games
Connacht Rugby:
To qualify for the Heineken Cup again.
To start finishing at least 8th in the Pro12.
Denis Buckley to cement his place in the first XV
Eoin Griffen to start in the first XV
Mick Kearney to be first choice
Aaron Conneely get more games
Daniel Qualter to get more games
Conor Finn to get a chance
Shane Leydon to get a chance
Tiernan O'Hallorhan to get a go with Ireland
Kieran Marmion to get a chance with Ireland
Robbie Henshaw get a chance with Ireland
Munster Rugby:
Make the Rabo Pro12 playoffs
Make at least the Amlin Quarters 12/13
Stephen Archer to improve and get more games
Danny Barnes to get more opportunities
Paddy Butler to keep improving and make the first XV
Scott Deasy to get a chance
Ivan Dineen to get a chance
Sean Dougall to improve and get games
JJ Hanrahan to get a chance
Felix Jones to not get injured
David Kilcoyne to improve and challenge Healy
Conor Murray to improve his tempo and passing and kicking. Take less steps
Ian Nagle to show his potential
Dave O'Callaghan to keep improving
Paul O'Connell to not get injured
Luke O'Dea to show he is special
Tommy O'Donnell to prove that one performance wasn't a one-off
John Ryan to challenge Archer
Sean Scanlon to show something
Mike Sherry to improve his throwing
CJ Stander to not get injured
Simon Zebo to prove me wrong and he is something a little different
Leinster Rugby:
Win the Rabo
Qualify for the Heineken Quarters
Not be drawn against Clermont in the pool stages in 13/14
Michael Bent to show he can scrum
Andrew Conway to show his potential
Sean Cronin to improve scrummaging and throwing
Tom Denton to challenge for the first team
Luke Fitzgerald to not get injured and show his potential
Jamie Hagan to challenge for the first team
Fergus McFadden to find a position
Jack McGrath to challenge Healy
Brian O'Driscoll to not get injured and consider RWC
Eoin O'Malley to not get injured and challenge
Quinn Roux to show he is awesome and not get injured
Rhys Ruddock make the first XV
Dominic Ryan to show he is an openside of quality
Ben Marshall to start challenging for the first team
Luke McGrath to get a chance
Jordi Murphy to keep improving and start challenging full time for a first team jersey
Noel Reid to get contract and cut out the errors
Lions:
No Ashton, Armitage or Hartley
O'Driscoll and O'Connell
Sean Maitland has declared for Scotland and gets a call up.
Some young bolters.
An entertaining and exciting squad and style of play.
A victory.
Ireland.
Beat NZ.
Show promise.
Look like you can score at anytime.
Play smart rugby
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
The West's Awake
A Link to "The West's Awake", the documentary on Connacht's first season in the Heineken Cup.
http://vimeo.com/52031977
Irish rugby in 2012: All you need to know in 8 videos
From thescore.ie
2012 WAS A CURIOUS year for Irish rugby.
The Six Nations continued a worrying trend of Irish teams being unable to close out games when necessary but still featured a French draw that felt like a loss.
Leinster and Ulster then contested the Heineken Cup Final, with Joe Schmidt’s side capturing their third European title in four years.
Ireland were humbled in the first test against New Zealand before Declan Kidney chose 13 Leinster and Ulster players and pushed the All Blacks to bending point.
Breaking point came a week later, for the Irish, as the ABs ran in nine tries and delivered a 60-0 chastisement.
Another close game was lost to the Springboks before a glorious afternoon in brisk November surrounds sent the Argentineans packing and gave us all reason to believe in better times next year.
Here is Irish Rugby in 2012:
Feelgood story
On 14 January, Connacht lost their third away game against Toulouse and there was no wistful thoughts passed on the 24-3 loss.
Eric Elwood rallied his weary troops a week later to stun Harlequins 9-8 for the province’s first ever Heineken Cup win.
YouTube credit: irismedia
Best player
Rob Kearney won the ERC Player of the Year and a host of other personal accolades to go along with his third Heineken Cup medal. Personal highlights include a give and take duel with Israel Dagg, a collection of high ball claims in the Six Nations and a 40-metre drop goal against Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup semi-final.
YouTube credit: David147v2
Best game
Tension held sway in most of the big matches of the year, apart from the Leinster’s 42-14 blowout in the Heineken Cup final. One week later they were Dan Biggar-ed as Ospreys pipped them in the Pro12 Final.
For sheer drama, however, Leinster’s 19-15 victory over Clermont in the Heineken Cup semi-final had it all.
YouTube credit: eurorugby2012
Best try
Back in April, Craig Gilroy was just a promising winger with high hopes and realistic expectations. Within 15 minutes of Ulster’s Heineken Cup semi-finals he had beaten six Munster players on his way to a stunning score.
YouTube credit: TheUAFC
Biggest heartbreak
Ireland tore into the world champion All Blacks from the opening minute at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch and set the platform for a real tilt at securing their first win in 26 matches.
Nigel Owens and Dan Carter then combined to shatter our dreams. The ABs stretched the winless streak to 27 a week later in Hamilton.
YouTube credit: SuperRugbyBall
Best breakdown banter
When Clermont hosted Ulster back in January at Stade Marcel Michelin, Nathan Hines decided that it was time to take three Ulsterman out of the game during one hotly contested ruck.
YouTube credit: ddtblog1
Best newcomer
Craig Gilroy scored two tries against the Barbarians before he was left off the plane to New Zealand in the summer.
He got another chance in green for the Ireland Select team that blitzed Fiji at Thomond Park. Three more tries followed and a test debut was soon forthcoming.
YouTube credit: Tap Tackle
Gilroy followed that up a week later with another superb try against Argentina to confirm his arrival as a genuine wing star.
One to watch
Paddy Jackson is the undisputed kicking king at Ulster now but he showed enough in the Fiji game to suggest he can offer a genuine threat to Jonathan Sexton in the Irish team. He can also take nifty penalties from extremely acute angles.
YouTube credit: Beanyman62Sports
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