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 He is the only member of the squad with Super Rugby experience now that Chris Feauai Sautia has been withdrawn.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;

Super Rugby Round 15 Review

Another great weekend of Super Rugby, with shocks, attention about to switch to the internationals, and of course; plenty of entertainment and tries.

TEAM OF THE WEEK:

Chiefs 28 -19 Crusaders

The Chiefs underlined their defense of their title without Sonny Bill Williams with a 9 point victory in a cracker of a game. Chiefs move to the top of the table with 52 points, and Crusaders hanging onto 6th place and a wild card spot with 42.

Rebels 24-22 Waratahs

The Rebels push on from just peforming well, and actually take down an in form Waratahs. The hit that this would have had on the Tahs playoff hopes wasn't as big, as most of their rivals also managed to lose. But with only 5 rounds left they are 3 points off 6th and can't afford another loss. The Rebels are now closer to the likes of the Stormers and the Sharks than the teams they were expected to battle it out with at the bottom of the league.

Blues 13- 20 Brumbies

Another loss for a playoff contender, the Blues are in 7th place on the basis of less games won compared to the Crusaders. The Brumbies are hanging onto 1st place in the Australian conference, having been caught at the top of the overall league.

Western Force 19-18 Highlanders

A massive win for the Force, who like Sean Fitzpatrick said over the weekend, are earning the respect of the other Super Rugby teams. In Kyle Godwin, the Force have a future superstar on their hands, and in Nic "sweating like a gypsy with a mortgage" Cummins, they have a rival to Mark Robson's outrageous simile's throne.

Southern Kings 22 - 34 Cheetahs

The Cheetahs are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the world. Willie le Roux and co are running riot this season, and this win lifts them to 4th place in the table and into the playoffs. A deserved place in the table based on watching them this season, and they have a bye on the way.

Stormers 20 -15 Reds

The Stormers have been having a terrible season, and this win arrests some poor form, but with 34 points and in 11th place, they have no hope of dangering the playoff spots and will just look to avoid the relegation match with the Kings.

Sharks 16-18 Bulls

The Bulls have been the only one of the SA giants to have performed this year with the Sharks and Stormers struggling for unknown reasons. Bulls are top of the SA conference, with just the Cheetahs to challenge them for that spot. Next weeks game in Bloemfontein will be crucial.

Fantasy

After reducing the gap to 40 points last week, Cillian Hogan had a terrible week, dropping to fourth and is now 150 points off 1st. Not out of it, yet but with time running out. The gap between 1st and 2nd has increased to 90 points. The battle for 5th swung again, with Murray Kinsella regaining and opening up a lead.

Australian celebrities didn't do brilliantly, with all of us gaining on them, and Tim Horan had his lead cut considerably.

Head to Head

Cillian Hogan maintained his win streak, and has a 4 point lead to 2nd, with a gap of 8 points to 3rd. Multiple Scoregasms is fighting it out with average to avoid the wooden spoon.

Ulster v Leinster Head to Head

See my preview here

Before the teams were announced, I was finding it hard to separate the finalists of the Pro12.

Both teams have announced very strong teams, with strong benches. Both provinces are developing depth, especially when you consider the likes of Sean O'Brien, Luke Marshall and Craig Gilroy are all not involved through injury.

So who has the better team?

15. Fullback- Jared Payne vs Rob Kearney

Both are fantastic players. On form, both are among the best in the world. Kearney has the edge in defense, while Payne has a little bit more magic about him in attack. On his day, Kearney is devastating on the counter attack, while Payne gets involved more in play, playing a playmaking role out wide that Ulster have used to great effect this season. Kearney has been a shadow of his former self since returning from injury, so Payne just edges it.

Choice: Jared Payne - but not by much.

14. Right Winger - Andrew Trimble vs Fergus McFadden

Two players who started out their careers in the centre, with Trimble having resigned himself to a career on the wing, while McFadden is probably more suited to inside centre. Most recent Irish selections suggest that McFadden is ahead of Trimble, but I think that must be due to his increased versatility, and Trimble's form this year cannot be ignored.

Choice: Andrew Trimble - again, not by much.

13. Outside Centre - Darren Cave vs Brian O'Driscoll 

Not as close as the previous two selections, but Cave has done well this year, and is currently 2nd in line to O'Driscoll's green jersey

Choice: Brian O'Driscoll

12. Inside Centre - Stuart Olding vs Ian Madigan

In a few years this may be closer. Both players are filling in for an injury. Both started out as outhalves, while Olding may have found his best position, the 10 jersey suits Madigan more. His pass works well as a 12, but his playmaking ability and small stature marks him out as a ten. Madigan has come on a lot this year, as an outhalf and a player, and is my pick here.

Choice Ian Madigan

11. Left Wing - Tommy Bowe vs Isa Nacewa

Maybe I should have put the wingers up against their direct opposition, because both of these players should make it. It's almost impossible to split them, and both have hugely positive impacts on their teams.

Choice: Isa Nacewa - It's his last game and everything

10. Outhalf - Paddy Jackson vs Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton is the Lions 10, and the best outhalf in the Northern Hemisphere. This one is conclusive.

Choice: Johnny Sexton

9. Scrumhalf - Ruan Pienaar vs Isaac Boss

This one is almost as conclusive as the outhalf choice. Ruan Pienaar is the single most important player for Ulster.

Choice: Ruan Pienaar

1. Loosehead - Tom Court vs Cian Healy

Tom Court isn't the liability he once was, but at the same time, Healy is one of the best looseheads in the world, and at 25, is nowhere near his peak.

Choice: Cian Healy

2. Hooker - Rory Best vs Richardt Strauss

Rory Best was stupidly overlooked for the Lions. He has been immense this season, with the exception of a few wayward throws. He'll be looking to prove Gatland wrong. Injury meant that Strauss wasn't able to challenge Best for the Irish jersey. His upbringing as a backrower is evident in his play, and he plays differently to most other hookers.

Choice - Rory Best - just.

3. Tighthead - John Afoa vs Mike Ross

Mike Ross has saved Ireland on countless times. His scrummaging ability is the reason why Ireland are competitve sometimes. He doesn't offer much else around the park, but remains vital to Irish hopes. Not only is Afoa a fearsome scrummager, he offers a lot around the pitch, with great carries, vital steals and defending the fringes of rucks with aplomb.

Choice - John Afoa

4. Loosehead Lock - Johann Muller vs Leo Cullen

Leo Cullen is one of those players that you don't realise his important unless you play with him, and you see all the work and "tricks" that he comes up with in a game. However, Muller is a better lineout operator, a better leader, and offers more bulk in scrums.

Choice - Johann Muller

5. Tightead Lock - Dan Tuohy vs Devin Toner

I rate Dan Tuohy very highly and can't understand why he isn't higher in the pecking order with Ireland. Toner has finally improved and shown some talent in recent weeks, but not enough for me to pick him over Tuohy here.

Choice - Dan Tuohy

6. Blindside Flanker Robbie Diack vs Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin gets through a huge amount of work, but so does Diack, and Diack is significantly better in the loose, and able to play anywhere in the back 5.

Choice - Robbie Diack

7. Openside Flanker Chris Henry vs Shane Jennings

Choice: Chris Henry

8. No. 8 - Nick Williams vs Jamie Heaslip

Choice: Jamie Heaslip

Subs:

16. Sub Hooker - Rob Herring vs Sean Cronin

Sean Cronin is a great rugby player, fantastic in the loose, with speed and ball handling skills. Unfortunately he can't do a hooker's primary job which is throwing. I'd still prefer him in my team than Herring though.

Choice- Sean Cronin

17. Sub Loosehead - Callum Black vs Jack McGrath

Both have had good seasons, with Jack McGrath showing a bit more potential. Excited to see him develop as Leinster's number 2 no. 1 next season.

Choice: Jack McGrath

18. Sub Tighthead - Declan Fitzpatrick vs Jamie Hagan

Typical that Hagan only now begins to show why people were waxing lyrical about him after he's decided to leave. On this form he is the back up to Ross for Ireland ahead of Fitzpatrick.

Choice: Jamie Hagan

19. Sub 2nd row - Iain Henderson vs Quinn Roux

Injuries have disrupted Roux's season, and next season big things are expected of him. But for now, Henderson has finally shown me what the fuss is about with some barnstorming runs, and uplifting carries for his team. His work rate needs to improve, but there is a lot of talent to work with.

Choice: Iain Henderson

20. Sub Back Row - Mike McComish vs Rhys Ruddock

Rhys Ruddock is another I rate very highly. He is a leader, that gets through a huge amount of work, and a good lineout option. McComish is not the same standard as Ruddock

Choice Rhys Ruddock

21. Sub Scrumhalf - Paul Marshall vs John Cooney

Paul Marshall hasn't had a lot of opportunities, yet finds himself in the Irish set up by the virtue of some exciting cameos. Whenever he comes on, Ulster play at a higher tempo and frequently score tries. Cooney is a similar player, with a solid quick pass, but is inexperienced, and has yet to display his full potential

Choice - Paul Marshall

22. Sub Inside back - Mike Allen vs Andrew Goodman

Mike Allen is another that impressed me during the 6 Nations when the Ulster frontliners were away. Comfortable on the wing and centre, he has a bright future ahead of him, starting with Emerging Ireland this summer. Goodman has been solid since arriving, but I can't help but think he is over-rated. Maybe he'll prove me wrong next season.

Choice Mike Allen

23. Sub Outside Back - Peter Nelson vs Andrew Conway

Conway has been earmarked for stardom since starring for Blackrock in the Leinster Junior Cup of 2007. Since then he has made quite a rise, but has stalled a bit, meaning that his move to Munster could suit all parties. Nelson is still part of the Ulster academy, and has featured quite a bit for the first team this season, showing how highly he is rated. 

Choice Andrew Conway

Conclusion:
Starting Lineup:
Ulster 9
Leinster 6

Replacements:
Ulster 3
Leinster 5

While Ulster have more head to head victories, I think Leinster have the more comprehensive victories. This game is very tight, and could be decided by a mistake.

Super Rugby Round 14 Review

Hurricanes 12 - 17 Chiefs

An unusually boring game by New Zealand standards, with the defending champions winning out. This leaves the Chiefs top of the New Zealand conference, with the Canes struggling in 9th place. Time is running out for the Canes to rescue their season.

DTOTY: Gareth Anscombe (315)

Rebels 30 - 21 Stormers

The first game this season that the Rebels had to play without both James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale and they continued their performances and managed to beat a poor Stormers side. Jason Woodward has been one of the better players for the Rebels this season.

DTOTW: Scott Higginbotham (48), Hugh Pyle (40), Andries Bekker (37)
DTOTY: Ged Robinson (470), Hugh Pyle (351), Scott Higginbotham (337), James O'Connor (305), Nick Phipps (144)

Force 13 - 23 Sharks

The Force held up well here, and despite some big performances from Kyle Godwin and Pat Delitt, the Sharks just snuck it.

DTOTW: Kyle Godwin (48), Pat Delitt (30)
DTOTY: Pek Cowan (296)

Crusaders 23 - 3 Blues

This is one result which shocked me to be honest. The Crusaders hadn't been in the best form coming into this, and to keep the Blues tryless is some feat. Lets see if this is a one off performance that has been all too regular for the Crusaders this season.

DTOTW: Ben Funnell (53), Owen Franks (42)
DTOTY: Steven Luatua (348), Rene Ranger (324), Charles Piatau (320)

Waratahs 28 - 22 Brumbies

Another big win for the Waratahs who are right in contention for a playoff spot. Both the Australian teams above them lost last weekend. They still need to win almost all of their remaining matches to stay in contention. It looks to me as if the season is over for anyone under the Tahs on the table.

DTOTW: Michael Hooper (53),
DTOTY: Israel Folau (401)

Bulls 35 - 18 Highlanders

Another efficient performance from the Bulls, and another shocker from the Highlanders, that win two weeks ago looks like a flash in the pan, as opposed to the turning point that many thought it would be.

DTOTW: Ben Smith (32)

Cheetahs 27 - 13 Reds

A Massive result for both these teams, the Cheetahs appear to be genuine playoff contenders, and they haven't let the loss of Johan Goosen upset them at all. Their players were rewarded with Springbok call ups during the week, with Labuschagne and le Roux making overdue appearances in the training squad.

DTOTW: Piet van Zyl (43), Pieter Labuschagne (43), Luke Morahan (32)
DTOTY: James Slipper (364), Pieter Labuschagne (338), Robert Ebersohn (258)

FANTASY:

A Great week for Cillian Hogan, who moves to within 42 points of the lead. Garbhan Hogan got the highest of the round with 434 which brings him within 100 points of 1st. It's beginning to get tight at the top again.

Head to Head results:

Multiple Scoregasms 268 - 340 Ball Handling Hooker
The Weshties 301- 249 GlasUlstermanNSW
Ireland's Answer 351 - 367 Les Mecs
Average 302 - 400 Poseidon's Belvedere

This leaves Cillian Hogan with a 4 point lead at the top.