JWC: Ireland v Australia Match Report

via rugby.com.au

A massive 19- 15 win for the Irish Under 20's in the JWC on Wednesday sees them get a foothold in Pool B, and sets them off to a great start.

Despite a shaky start, Ireland were first to settle, and looked dangerous with Daly and Adam Byrne to the fore, and Steve Crosbie pulling the strings. Mike Ruddock deserves a lot of credit for his work with this side. It's clear they are not full of superstars, but play an exciting brand of rugby that also gets the most out of the team. They are ferocious in defense, with a lot of defenders stationed around the ruck.

via IRB.com

Adam Byrne made the first try scoring opportunity, but his offload went to ground when there were players queuing up. Play was called back though, and Daly landed the first points of the day. The Irish players were playing well, with Adam Boland in particular giving them dominance in the scrum, and George McGuigan making a nuisance of himself at the breakdown as well. The front row really had a very good game.

Despite some aimless kicking, Ireland started to get a foothold in Australian territory through some patient buildup, and Rory Scholes in particularly, looking for work, carrying strongly, and rushing up in defense when it needed it. It was Scholes himself that scored the try that the Irish play deserved with a great run and dummy out wide. Daly nailed the conversion and Ireland were in a strong position.

Ireland continued in this vain, with some fast in your face defending, but UJ Seuteni was given the opportunity to get Australia off the mark with a penalty. With five minutes of the first half to go, Australia kicked a penalty to the corner, and were able to barrage the maul over, as the Irish defense wilted. Seuteni was unable to add the conversion, and 10-8 was how the half finished.

Ireland started the second half strongly, and didn't allow the Australians any time on the ball or to dictate terms. Rory Scholes was magnificent, instigating the choke tackle technique that the senior team have been using so well. Dan Leavy, now on for an injury to Ryan Murphy, was carrying impressively, and McGuigan was making some big hits, the Australians didn't look like they knew how to cope.

via IRB.com

Ireland decided that territory was the order of the day, with a lot more tactical kicking than in the first half. Dan Leavy showed more of his promise with a textbook turnover just as the Australians were starting to look threatening. From this, Ireland launched an attack, and the coherence in the backs made it look like they had been playing together for years, with some smart offloading and running lines.

Unfortunately, this was to be their undoing, as with ten minutes left, after superbly handling an Adam Byrne offload, Leavy's attempted offload went to ground, and Alex Northam showed a huge amount of pace to break the cover and give the Australians an undeserved lifeline. It was the only time the potently dangerous Australian backline were able to produce anything.

Tom Daly nailed a huge kick from the ten metre line that pushed Ireland out to a 4 point lead with 7 minutes to go, one that they would ultimately not surrender. This was not to be the end of the drama, as with Australian ball 5 metres out from the Irish line, Senio Toleafoa was sinbinned for foul play, almost ending any hopes they would have had. Australia were to have one more chance with a scrum just outside the Irish 22, but in a moment that sums up the game, the sub Irish front row drove the Australians off the ball and earned the penalty that confirmed a huge win for the Irish.

Next up, Fiji on Sunday, then the mighty 23 for 25 in JWC games, BNZ. It just gets harder from here.

The beauty of the Heineken Cup

via ercrugby.ie

With the draw for the Heineken Cup throwing up some of the tastiest pools in years, this should serve as a deterrent to any Anglo-French breakaway. The competition wouldn't be what it is today without the input from the Irish provinces, from Welsh regions like the Ospreys, or from improving Glasgow or Treviso. 

Those clubs are challenging the rights of the Italian and Scottish teams that automatically qualify for the Heineken Cup and who get more money per team than the English and French teams who they maintain bring all the money to the competition. All of which makes 100% sense.

However, some of their suggestions for reform are too drastic, too unfair in the other direction, and are designed to losing some of the magic of the Heineken Cup.

via bbc.co.uk

And there are things about the Heineken Cup that make it the best competition in all of sport. There are few competitions that generate a huge amount of excitement with each match day One of the main reasons for this is the way nothing is decided about qualifying from pools until every game is played.

This comes about from two reasons; 1. The top placed winner plays the 8th seed in the quarters at the home of the top seed, and so on. This ensures that even if a team has qualified from their pool, that they still put out strong teams and keep going in every game. Personally, I think this is a great idea, and should be incorporated into other competitions, like the Rugby World Cup, and other sports, like the Champions League. Think how much more exciting it would be if the Champions League had the top teams playing their best team for 6 group games and not just 4 and 2 with reserves.

The second bit of magic about the Heineken Cup is the state of second place teams in the competition. Not having a number of pools to allow for just winners, or both winners and second place, means that more teams are watching every pool. Which means fans are more interested in all games, and not just games that concern their team. Having 6 pools, with 2 second place qualifying and 3 going to the Amlin, is great for both competitions.

In any re-structuring of the competition, I believe these are key components that need to be kept.

Therefore, the proposition of reducing the competition from 24 to 20 teams will mean it won't be 6 pools of 4 anymore. Putting one of those components at risk. It could be 4 pools of 5, which means all second place qualify, which is a disaster, or 5 pools of 4. This would mean, 3 second place teams qualify, and potentially the top 3rd team qualify for the Amlin, which might be a bit much, but isn't a disaster. It's not as good as 6 pools, so my preference would be to keep 24 teams.

Qualification as it happens now is as follows (from wikipedia) :

22 places are awarded by country, with each country deciding how to allocate their allotted places:

England: six teams (selected by performance in Aviva Premiership and Anglo-Welsh Cup)
France: six teams (selected by performance in Top 14 Championship)
Ireland: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
Wales: three teams (selected by performance in Pro 12)
Scotland: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12)
Italy: two teams (selected by participation in Pro 12) 

Starting with the 2009–10 season, the remaining two places in the 24-team tournament for the following season are filled by the winners of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. If a trophy winner has already qualified for the Heineken Cup by virtue of its league position, that country will receive an extra Heineken Cup place (assuming that the country has an extra team that can take up a place; Scotland has only two top-level professional teams, as does Italy since the 2010–11 season). However, England and France are capped at seven Heineken Cup places each. If either country produces the winners of both European cups, the last place will be filled by the highest ERC-ranked club not of that nation to not have otherwise qualified. The latter rule also applies if one of Scotland's two Pro 12 teams wins a European trophy.

The problem with this is that is allows Pro 12 teams a free ride in, and means their proportion of money is heavily in their favour.

There is room for manoeuvre in this aspect. If the English and French teams got an extra team each, with potential for more, and the Pro12 got 7 teams total, with 1 from each country guaranteed and the rest from the highest place finish. Guaranteeing more of a competitive Pro 12, while still having teams from different countries, which is important.

This has 21 spots, with an extra two based on before with winners from the Heineken and Amlin Cups, and potentially pick the best team from outside these countries in an attempt to widen the rugby horizon. Which is what rugby is all about.

In conclusion, a Anglo-French competition would drastically reduce competiveness across Europe, and take away a competition that has captivated audiences since it's conception.

Lions Test Places - Part 1

Two games in, it's a good opportunity to look at test places, who has put their hand up, and those who have firmly rested on their laurels, and are just happy to be there.

Loosehead:

Not many things can be concluded with Cian Healy's injury, although Mako Vunipola has validated his place on tour, and is in contention for test consideration, most likely on the bench.

Hooker:

Hibbard went ok in Hong Kong, and Youngs hasn't had much opportunity, but Rory Best was average around the park, and two bad lineouts after the 6 Nations are a big black mark on him.

Tighthead:

There isn't much you can conclude from these games. Both Cole and Jones seemed to have the upper hand in the scrum, but neither were very prominent in the loose. Cole probably gains more, but Jones is still ahead.

Second Row:

O'Connell was magnificent in the Hong Kong game and must be nailed on. Alun Wyn Jones would be next, although was anonymous against the Force, and the yellow card will be a black mark. Gray did well against the Barbarians, but needs to show more after his poor season, while Parling was the best second row on display today, albeit from the bench and can't be discounted.

Flankers:

The most competitive place, Justin Tipuric was very good against the Barbarians, as was Sean O'Brien against the Force. They are the form pair, with Croft getting a try he's not far away, although Lydiate performed well last Saturday. With captain Warburton assured of his place, Tipuric has to play amazing to persuade Gatland to move Warbs to 6. Although Sean O'Brien needs a chance at 6 too. Big competition here.

No. 8.

via telegraph.co.uk

While not nailed on yet, I think Heaslip great performance today edges him ahead of Faletau. Top tackler, most metres gained, with 16 carries including 5 linebreaks, Heaslip has carried on from his impressive end of season form. He is also a better lineout option than Faletau which will be vital.

Scrumhalf:

Phillips all but pencilled himself in last week, and while Murray did well on Saturday and comes into contention for the bench spot, he wasn't as good today, while Youngs hasn't had a chance.

Outhalf:

It's Sexton's. End of story, hopefully Farrell's try today gives him confidence and means he can do well when coming on.

Centres:

via rugby365.com

Brian O'Driscoll was outstanding today, showing pace and quickness of thought. He was everywhere rolling back the years. He must start. Jon Davies was lauded on Saturday, but I don't think he is in O'Driscoll's league. Tuilagi did well today, and his partnership with O'Driscoll might be worth looking at, but Roberts was prominent on Saturday and is ahead of him at 12.

Wingers:

via telegraph.co.uk

Tommy Bowe showed a great work ethic, and his great finishing, and running lines and given his freshness seems to be coming into form at the right time. He must start on one wing, with George North playing well, and Cuthbert finishing well, it must be between the two Welsh wings for the other slot.

Fullback:

Halfpenny is miles ahead of the rest, especially with his flawless kicking. Hogg did very well against the Barbarians, and his time will come, but perhaps not on this tour. The only way Kearney can come into contention, especially after the injury, is if Israel Folau dominates in the air in the first test, and Halfpenny is moved to the wing to accomodate his aerial ability. Not to be discounted.

Under 20's: Ireland vs Australia

Australian Team to play Ireland at 5.45 Irish Time on Wednesday 5th June.

1 Silatolu Latu
2 Maile Ngauamo
3 Oliver Hoskins
4 Senio Toleafoa
5 Tom Staniforth
6 Michael Wells
7 Jack Dempsey
8 Curtis Browning (c)
9 Ben Meehan
10 Jake McIntyre
11 Alex Northam
12 Ulupano Seuteni
13 Lalakai Foketi
14 Harry Parker
15 Jonah Placid

RESERVES
16 Andrew Ready
17 Pettowa Paraka
18 Allan Alaalatoa
19 Ofiu Manukeu-Archibald
20 Patrick Sio
21 Waldo Wessels
22 Luke Burton
23 Henry Taefu

This Australia side is packed with talent and Under 20 experience. 9 players in the squad have previous JWC experience, with 7 of them starting.

The entire front row of Silatolu Latu, Maile Ngauamo and Oliver Hoskins played in last year's Junior World Cup campaign, while in the second row Senio Toleafoa also played in last year's JWC, but for Samoa.

Captain Curtis Browning is their key player in the backrow. He is the only member of the squad with Super Rugby experience now that Chris Feauai Sautia has been withdrawn. Browning is a big guy, strong carrier, and heavy tackler. He is the second youngest player to ever play for Australian schoolboys at the age of 15. He won the Australian Under 20 player of the year last year. Can comfortably fit in at blindside and in the second row. 

He recently signed a contract extension with the Queensland Reds, and his future is secure in the game. No matter how Australia do in this competition, Browning will be one to watch in the future, and will be their driving force in this competition.

UJ Seuteni is their key backline player. Nominally an outhalf, he's also comfortable at inside centre, fullback and wing. Also has experience from last year, Seuteni is one of two players who feature in extended Super Rugby squads, with both himself and Browning in the Reds squad.

On the wing, Harry Parker who has sevens experience, is a potential dangerman, and the youngest in the squad is fullback Jonah Placid, who has another TWO years at this level.

As a rule, Queensland are significantly better at producing youngsters than the other Australian provinces, and with 9 players in the 23, this will be a side that will have a number of graduates ending up with full Wallaby caps.

Ireland's team to play Australia:

15 - Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster)
14 - Adam Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
13 - Thomas Farrell (Lansdowne/Leinster)
12 - Thomas Daly (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
10 - Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
9 - Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
1 - Peter Dooley (Lansdowne/Leinster)
2 - George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons/Exile)
3 - Adam Boland (Lansdowne/Connacht)
4 - Peadar Timmins (UCD/Leinster)
5 - John Donnan (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
6 - Conor Joyce (Malone/Ulster)
7 - Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
8 - Ryan Murphy (Dolphin/Munster)

Replacements:

16 - Bryan Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
17 - Edward Byrne (UCD/Leinster)
18 - Ryan Furniss (Worcester Warriors/Exile)
19 - Sean McCarthy (Shannon/Munster)
20 - Daniel Leavy (UCD/Leinster)
21 - David Shanahan (Clontarf/Leinster)
22 - Mark Roche (Lansdowne/Connacht)
23 - Darragh Leader (Galwegians/Connacht)

Meet the Wolfpuppies...

Ireland Squad for the Junior World Championships in France:

I will be paying a lot of attention to the Junior World Championships, including preview Ireland's opponents, and looking at some of the stars of the tournament.

Fullbacks:

Daragh Leader (Connacht)

via rte.ie

DOB: 22/05/1993
Under 20's Caps: 3
Connacht Caps: 1

The likely first choice fullback in this competition given that Henshaw and Olding are not involved. Leader has had a good season and was nominated for Connacht Under 20 player of the year. Leader will be the main player ensuring that the absence of Olding and Henshaw won't be that damaging.

He played in three 6 Nations games, with two starts against Scotland and Italy, and a sub appearance against France.

He is also one of a small number of players in the squad with Rabo Pro 12 experience having made his debut for Connacht against the Dragons last October.

He is versatile enough to play on the wing if needs be.

Update: On the bench in the first game vs Australia.

Darren Sweetnam (Munster)

DOB: 05/05/1993
Under 20's caps: 4

The former Cork hurler was an ever present in the Wolfpuppies matchday squads this season, with all but one of his appearances coming from the bench. Primarily thought of as a fullback, his one start was against Italy on the wing.

Hopes are high for Sweetnam down in Munster, so it's likely that this will not be the last you hear of him.

He is the likely back three cover in the 23.

Wingers:

Rory Scholes (Ulster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 24/04/1993
Under 20's caps: 5

Started all five games for the Wolfpuppies on the left wing in the 6 Nations. A converted fullback, he has the security under the high ball, and pace and intelligence on the counter. One of Ireland's best performers in Spring, and will be looking to feature for Ulster Ravens from next season and challenging the young talent coming through.

Update: Starts at left wing in the first game

David Panter (Connacht)

DOB: 03/02/1993
Under 20's caps: 5

Started 3 of the 5 games for the Wolfpuppies in the 6 Nations, with two bench appearances. Very likely to start, and a very solid performer. Only question is, will he start on the right wing or at fullback?

Outside Centres:

Adam Byrne (Leinster)

by Tom Dwyer via sportsfile.com

DOB: 10/04/1994
Leinster caps: 1

The first newcomer into the squad, Adam Byrne is the youngest player to ever represent Leinster. A former Manchester United academy player, he is a big quick strong ball carrier, who can also play in the back three. He will give serious competition to the back three, and is a bolter to start.

His long term future will be at outside centre, and he will be a feature in the Under 20's next year aswell.

Update: Starts on the Right wing in the first game.

Thomas Daly (Leinster)

DOB: 31/07/1993
Under 20 Caps: 5

Like Scholes, started every game in the 6 Nations. He was the team's placekicker, and was rewarded with a number of Man of the Match awards. His performances in the 6 Nations also earned him a place in Leinster's academy for next season.

Solid in defence, and an honest straight runner in attack, his biggest value is his goalkicking, in a team lacking alternatives.

Features in dementedmole's 4 UP

Starts at inside centre in the first game.

Thomas Farrell (Ulster)

DOB: Unknown

Another newcomer to the 20's, Farrell was injured for the 6 Nations. Hopes are high for him in Ulster, but there is a feeling that his injured namesake, Chris Farrell is the better of the two Ulster Farrell centers. I haven't seen enough of Thomas to comment properly.

Update: Starts at outside centre in the first game

Inside Centres:

Rory Scanell (Munster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 22/12/1993
Under 20 Caps: 5

Brother of Niall, the former captain of the Under 20's, Rory has just been rewarded with a place in the Munster academy for next season. Started every game of the 6 Nations, with an appearance at outhalf aswell, Scannell is a certain starter.

Was forced into placekicking duties with Daly's injury in Italy, and performed admirably. A typical workmanlike player, which is a feature of this team.

Features in dementedmole's 4 UP

Update: Starts at fullback in the first game.

Mark Roche (Connacht)

DOB: Unknown
Under 20 Caps: 3

His style of play is very similar to Scannell's, a strong runner, with a solid boot and good range of passing. Will be a useful squad member and likely bench spot.

Starts on the bench in the first game.

Outhalves:

Steve Crosbie (Leinster)

By Steve Pope via sportsfile.com

DOB: 10/02/1993
Under 20 caps: 3

Steve Crosbie is the only outhalf named in the squad, with Rory Scannell the expected backup.

Crosbie is an exciting running outhalf, who I suspect will find a future in inside centre. Watch his breaks, his range of passing and strong tackling.

Definitely one to watch in the tournament and in the future, having been named in Leinster's academy next season.

Starting outhalf in the first game

Scrumhalves:

Luke McGrath (Leinster)

DOB: 03/02/1993
Under 20 Caps: 19
Leinster caps: 1

The captain, standout performer and by far most experienced member of the team. McGrath is the heartbeat of the side, with outstanding defensive sweeping, and quick service from the rucks.

He impressed in his Leinster debut against the Ospreys, creating a try with a break and offload. See more here

Starts as captain in the first game

David Shanahan (Leinster)

DOB: Unknown
Under 20 Caps: 1

Has one sub appearance to his name, and managed to beat off John Creighton to the second scrum-half spot, but in reality, Luke McGrath will be playing as many minutes as he can.

Bench for the first game.

Loosehead Props:

Peter Dooley (Leinster)

DOB: 04/08/1994
Under 20s caps: 5

The undisputed first choice, starting all 5 6 Nations games, Dooley is eligible for selection next year, he will be one to watch out for.

Starts in the first game

Adam Boland (Connacht)

DOB: Unknown
Under 20s caps: 5

Boland was on the bench for every game in the 6 Nations. The Connacht prop will be hoping for more gametime in the JWC.

Starts at tighthead in the first game.

Edward Byrne (Leinster)

DOB: 09/09/1993

The Byrne twins have long been heralded as players to watch out for, and yet, failed to make the squads for the 6 Nations until the final game where Brian came off the bench.

Edward is a big scrumagging prop, who happens to be very mobile. Highly thought of by Leinster, not so much by Ruddock, will be interesting to see what sort of gametime he gets.

On the bench in the first game.

Hookers:

George McGuigan (Exiles)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 30/03/1993
Under 20s caps: 4

Started every game except the Italian game, where he wasn't involved. Almost certain first choice.

Starts in the first game.

Brian Byrne (Leinster)

DOB: 09/09/1993
Under 20s caps: 1

Much like his twin Edward, highly thought of, big scrummager and mobile.

Has Under 20 experience after coming off the bench in Italy, and will get more time to play in the JWC with only two hookers.

On the bench in the first game.

Tighthead Props:

Chris Taylor (Ulster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 11/03/1993
Under 20 caps: 4

The Irish scrum held up better than usual, and exerted some pressure at times in the 6 Nations. My only conclusion from this is that Chris Taylor is a handy scrummager, and his development will be closely watched in the future

Ryan Furniss (Exiles)

DOB: 17/02/1993
Under 20 caps:
Worcester caps: 1

I haven't seen enough of him to know, but having a Worcester cap already when Euan Murray and John Andress are at the club looks promising for this Exile.

On the bench in the first game.

Second Rows:

Gavin Thornbury (Leinster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 19/10/1993
Under 20s caps: 4

The first choice lock in the 6 Nations, Thornbury is a impressive lineout operator at 6'8'', and featured heavily in herald.ie 's "Four for the Blue's future"

John Donnan (Ulster)

DOB: 16/02/1993
Under 20 caps: 5

Played in every game for Ireland in the 6 Nations, and struck up a good partnership with Thornbury. Will be looking to continue in the JWC.

Starts in the first game.

Sean McCarthy (Munster)

DOB: 12/02/1993
Under 20 caps: 4

A Munster academy player, will be looking to add to his bench appearances in this tournament.

On the bench in the first game.

Blindside Flankers:

Conor Joyce (Ulster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 05/07/1993
Under 20s Caps: 4
Ulster caps: 2

Conor Joyce was a colossus for Ireland, and only missed a 6 Nations game because he was called up to the Ulster squad.

A Strong player, who gets through a lot of work and tackles, and almost always carries over the gainline. One to watch out for. A Key player.

Starts at blindside in the first game

Peadar Timmins (Leinster)

DOB: 08/01/1994
Under 20 caps: 5

It's scary to think that Timmins has another year left at this level. He had an impressive 6 Nations and got through a lot of work. A very useful squad member, and likely back row bench member. Can play second row too.

Starts in the second row in the first game.

Openside Flankers:

Josh van der Flier (Leinster)

via leinsterrugby.ie

DOB: 25/04/1993
Under 20 caps: 5

One of only two players in the squad that return from last year's squad. van der Flier is highly thought of, and his presence brought the best out of the players around him. A vital cog in the back row.

Starts at openside in the first game.

Dan Leavy (Leinster)

via irishrugby.ie

DOB: 23/05/1994

A Leinster School's Cup winning captain, a former Ireland 18's and 19s captain, Leavy has leader written all over him. Already featuring in a Leinster A team that includes some talent, there is serious hope for one of the better back rowers in the Leinster academy.

Big words indeed. His time may not be in this tournament, but one to watch next season for sure.

Starts on the bench in the first game.

No. 8's:

Ryan Murphy (Munster)

via irishrugby,ie

DOB: 05/03/1993
Under 20's caps: 5

One of the better performers from this 20s side from the 6 Nations. Murphy started the first two games as an openside flanker with Josh van der Flier coming back from injury without too much success.

Once van der Flier came back, and Murphy moved to his natural position, it was evident how talented this player can be. A strong ball carrier, he is the main Munster player to watch out for from this team.

Starts at no. 9 in the first game.

Jack O'Donoghue (Munster)

DOB: 08/01/1994

One of the youngest in the Munster academy, O'Donoghue will be a feature of the team next year, and will be better for this experience.

Super Rugby Round 16 Review

A quick review with a few comments, highlights where necessary:

Try highlights:

Crusaders 23- 22 Waratahs

The Crusaders made a miraculous recovery here to sneak it, and Barnes missed a kick to win. Well worth checking out the highlights.

Brumbies 30-23 Hurricanes

This game almost cements the Brumbies as winners of the Australian conference. Only the Reds can catch them, but with two games left against the Force and the Rebels, it would be extremely unlikely if they don't win the conference. The Hurricanes playoff hopes are all but over now.

Highlanders 38-28 Blues

This loss is huge for the Blues, who are the 7th team in the log, and most likely to miss out. Games against the Sharks, a potential decider against the Cheetahs, and a tough game against the Chiefs stands in the way of them and a playoff place.

Reds 33-20 Rebels

Not a great performance by the Reds, but the main news from this game is that Higginbotham is injured, which is huge for the Wallabies. The Reds get the win, that almost definitely confirms their wildcard spot

Stormers 19-11 Kings

The only relevance this game served is to push the Kings closer to the relegation match. And to show that South African rugby with no Cheetahs is very boring.

Cheetahs 25-30 Bulls

A top of the South African table conference confirms the Bulls as South African leaders, and the bonus point for the Cheetahs could be vital given that they are in pole position to nab a dream wildcard spot.

Fantasy

It's all happening in fantasy.

After stretching the lead to over 100 points, a monster round from Garbhan Hogan puts him to within 9 points of the lead. NINE. This is going down to the wire.

Cillian Hogan recovered to be within 80 of the lead, and he is not out of it.

With unusual bye weeks coming up, it's all about managing your side. This is tense.

End Of Season Review

Connacht

Connacht look like they are finally coming of age. After a second successive season in the Heineken Cup, they performed admirably with 3 wins, including a fantastic win over Biarritz. Domestically, they finished in 8th position, their best position ever, which is about where they should be finishing. With a ever improving squad, with plenty of young talent that keep getting better, the likes of Robbie Henshaw, Tiernan O'Halloran and Kieran Marmion will want to improve on 8th and start challenging for qualification from the pool stages.

Leinster

Possibly not the best season by their elevated standards over the last few years, but any season that ends with two trophies has to be considered as positive. Being put in Clermont's pool in the Heineken Cup meant that qualifying was always going to be a challenge, and a midseason dip didn't help matters. But as all good teams do, they carved out wins, and ended up at the business end of the season with two finals, winning both and using a large number of their squad. Joe may have left for higher honours, and other key players like Johnny Sexton, Isa Nacewa and Heinke van der Merwe may be leaving, but with the likes of Brian O'Driscoll and Leo Cullen signed on, and Mike McCarthy and Matt O'Connor incoming, Leinster will look to continue their trophy winning form and building on some exciting talent in Jordi Murphy, Jack McGrath and Luke McGrath.

Munster

A team in transition will sum up their year. Fans seems disenchanted with new coach Rob Penney's plan for the team in the initial part of the year. However, fortunes turned with a historic win over Harlequins in the Stoop, and despite being out of contention in the Rabo Pro 12 for the first time in years, there are plenty of optimism going forward. Conor Murray finally stepped up to the challenge, and with players now buying into the plan, and Paul O'Connell maintaining fitness, Munster won't be too far away the top 4 next season. The departures of Ronan O'Gara and Doug Howlett will hurt them, but with Simon Zebo, Peter O'Mahony and Murray growing in stature, players like Ian Keatley and CJ Stander have big seasons ahead of them.

Ulster

What seemed like a great season in the making suffered a devastating dip after Christmas. A remarkable  run of victories in difficult circumstances at the start of the year was something to behold, but the rails came off with their first loss of the season vs Northampton in Round 4 of the Heineken Cup. That's their first loss in December! A large number of talented youngsters appeared this season, with Niall Annett, Peter Nelson, Stuart Olding, Chris Cochrane, Ricky Andrew and Michael Allen impressing. The likes of Luke Marshall and Paddy Jackson have had good seasons, and will look to kick on and firmly establish themselves in the Irish setup. The final loss last weekend will strengthen them, and will be in a strong position for larger honours next year. Watch out, we could be set for a period of Northern dominance.

Irish based Team of the Season

1. Dave Kilcoyne
2nd choice: Tom Court

There were some strong contenders, with Cian Healy and Jack McGrath impressing in bits this year. Callum Black was an able replacement for Ulster, and Denis Buckley showed he has promise, but a huge breakout year for Dave Kilcoyne, where he cemented himself as Ireland's 2nd choice no.1, and looks set to drive Cian Healy to improve year on year to keep his position. Tom Court had a great year after being written off after the fiasco against England in the previous year's 6 Nations.


2. Rory Best
2nd choice: Mike Sherry

Now that he's rightly in the Lions set up, we can look back at how good Rory Best was this year. One of Ireland's best performers in the 6 Nations, Best was awesome around the park, making turnovers, driving the strong Ulster scrum and being a leader in any team he played in. The Lions will be stronger for his inclusion. Mike Sherry has now established himself as Munster no.1, and seems to have usurped Sean Cronin as third in line to Best's Ireland jersey. Harris Wright had a strong season, and Strauss was decent but was injured for too much of the season.

3. John Afoa
2nd choice: Nathan White

John Afoa was a rock for Ulster this year. An extremely fierce scrummager, who offers plenty around the park too, Afoa is one of Europe's premier tightheads. Mike Ross looked tired all season, and BJ Botha has had better seasons.

4. Mike McCarthy
2nd choice: Michael Swift

McCarthy more than proved that he wasn't a token Connacht selection in the Irish setup with an impressive performance in the 6 Nations. His partnership with his second row partner Michael Swift was one of the reasons for Connacht's good season.

5. Donnacha Ryan
2nd choice: Dan Tuohy

Donnacha Ryan has come of age. He grew in stature this season in the absence of Paul O'Connell even though he seemed to fade a little bit when the great man returned. Such was Ryan's great season that he was being spoken as being unlucky to have missed out on Lions selection in some areas.

6. Iain Henderson
2nd choice: Robbie Diack

Much has been made of the talent of Iain Henderson. However it took him until midway through this season to show me his devastating ball-carrying abilities that lift teams. A future beckons on the international stage, perhaps at second row, but for now he had a great season at blindside. Needs to continue to improve next season and work even harder.

7. Tommy O'Donnell
2nd choice: Chris Henry

How Tommy O'Donnell is still uncapped for Ireland I'll never know. Probably my player of the season, O'Donnell stood up and fronted up like no other Munster player this season. Now Ireland's best openside, Schmidt could do worse than build his backrow around him next season.

8. Nick Williams
2nd choice: Peter O'Mahony

The IRUPA player of the year was devastating this year, showing a bigger workrate and ball carrying devastation than was seen during his time at Munster. Jamie Heaslip only contended in the last few weeks, while O'Mahony got better as the campaign went on.

9. Kieran Marmion
2nd choice: Conor Murray

The only player to start every game of the Rabo Pro12, Marmion has had a hugely successful breakout year, directly after graduating from the under 20s. His selection on the US tour is just reward for a fine season where he displayed maturity beyond his 21 years.

10. Ian Madigan
2nd choice: Jonathan Sexton

Whatever about Marmion's breakout year, Madigan rose to crazy heights this year. Firmly establishing himself as backup outhalf on the national stage after starring in Leinster's run in, and cementing his position as first choice once Sexton leaves. Sexton himself didn't have a bad season, and the national team missed him more than anyone once he was ruled out of the 6 Nations.

11. Simon Zebo
2nd choice: Isa Nacewa

Zebo is another to have a "breakout" year of sorts. Although he was established in the Munster set up, he's gone on to national prominence and his bit of skill against Wales was revered throughout the world

12. Luke Marshall
2nd choice: Dave McSharry

What a player Luke Marshall is. For more on my thoughts about him, check out my article that came out the day he was named in the side to play Scotland. If it wasn't for all of the concussions, young Luke might have been the bolter everyone wanted for the Lions. He is someone who has it all, and needs to be managed carefully next season.

13. Darren Cave
2nd choice: Brian O'Driscoll

Cave enjoyed a wonderful season in Ulster, and seems to enjoy playing outside Olding or Marshall and with running off the magicians that are Pienaar and Payne. Contenders in outside centre were hard to come by, and O'Driscoll gets in on his limited gametime.


14. Andrew Trimble
2nd choice: Craig Gilroy

For someone who scored as many tries, and important tries, for their province as Andrew Trimble did this season, it's baffling that he ends the season as low down on the international pecking order as he did. Trimble was one of Ulster's best performers, and with Gilroy and Bowe performing well when injured, Trimble has stepped up to the challenge to keep his spot in the Ulster XV.

15. Jared Payne
2nd choice: Robbie Henshaw

What can you say about Jared Payne? He is just a magician. He is one of the reasons why Ulster were so much better than last year. He's one of the reasons why the difference between Leinster and Ulster was reduced by 24 points in a year. He will be a huge asset to Ireland when he qualifies. Robbie Henshaw had a great breakthrough year too directly out of school. He has a bright future ahead of him.

Breakdown:
Connacht 2+4;
Leinster 1+3;
Munster 4+3;
Ulster 8+5;