Encouraging signs of a return to form for Luke Marshall, who made the crucial break for Paddy Jackson’s decisive try. Marshall’s swift running and his development in kicking from deep helped Ulster when Connacht were posing questions initially.
After the restart when Ulster increased the pace and tempo Marshall was a key figure covering the ground with trademark enthusiasm. There was one little lapse when spilling a kick from Connacht replacement Craig Ronaldson with eight minutes on the clock, but the westerners’ didn’t have the guile to take advantage of the elementary mistake.
Marshall showed a commendable willingness to work even when Connacht were scrambling about attempting to pinch a consolation score late on.
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Paddy Jackson’s fly half performance
A strange night in the west for Paddy Jackson, who had to deal with a swirling Sportsground wind. Jackson scored 13 points from 18 which is a healthy return, but it could have been more. Goal kicking wise Jackson nailed three from six with two of the successful efforts especially awkward.
Still Jackson was the creator and finisher of the move which altered the complexion of the game. Connacht had been rugged and resilient, but Jackson spotted the small gap and was able to put Luke Marshall away. The ball was eventually fed out to Jackson, who touched down in the 58th minute and from then to the finish all that needed to be determined was how much Ulster would prevail by.
For 50 minutes the Connacht D was immense. Bodies were put on the line, tackles were made as if paid by commission. In the main corridor Robbie Henshaw, so effective at full back last season, stood tall and proud as a second centre making a few big hits that thrilled the Clan Stand.
The only pity, though, was that Connacht just couldn’t get Henshaw on the ball enough on their rare forays into Ulster territory. When Connacht did there were glimpses of Henshaw’s ability to join the line.
An eighth minute dash from Henshaw suggested Connacht could cause Ulster bother, but it was in the supposedly mundane chores that the local backs had to complete. Henshaw carried out his duties impressively and the versatility augurs well.
Connacht seeking to develop further
Front up, rise up is the Connacht Rugby mantra. So it is no surprise that out west they are willing to introduce players, who have taken the AIL by storm. Craig Ronaldson was the prolific playmaker for Division 1A Champions Lansdowne and the 23 year old sampled action against Ulster.
When Ronaldson came Ulster were dictating affairs, but there were a couple of booming left footed clearances which suggested the former Kilkenny College student has a role to occupy for Connacht. Working alongside the splendid Dan Parks will aid Ronaldson’s development as Connacht bravely persist giving promising players an opportunity to prosper.
Ulster depth
A groin injury meant Craig Gilroy only returned to action during this game as a half-time replacement. Paul Marshal also joined the fray at that stage as Ulster had been disappointed by their opening period display.
It was a different story after the restart when Ulster probed incessantly before Connacht crumbled for a brief spell. The damage was done then as a 5-7 deficit was turned into a 18-7 advantage when Paddy Jackson registered 13 points. Ulster had the resolve and resources to fend off Connacht’s spirited resistance. That Ulster were able to introduce proven and polished talent was hugely relevant.
5 talking points from Connacht v Ulster
Luke Marshall’s work ethic
Encouraging signs of a return to form for Luke Marshall, who made the crucial break for Paddy Jackson’s decisive try. Marshall’s swift running and his development in kicking from deep helped Ulster when Connacht were posing questions initially.
After the restart when Ulster increased the pace and tempo Marshall was a key figure covering the ground with trademark enthusiasm. There was one little lapse when spilling a kick from Connacht replacement Craig Ronaldson with eight minutes on the clock, but the westerners’ didn’t have the guile to take advantage of the elementary mistake.
Marshall showed a commendable willingness to work even when Connacht were scrambling about attempting to pinch a consolation score late on.
Paddy Jackson’s fly half performance
A strange night in the west for Paddy Jackson, who had to deal with a swirling Sportsground wind. Jackson scored 13 points from 18 which is a healthy return, but it could have been more. Goal kicking wise Jackson nailed three from six with two of the successful efforts especially awkward.
Still Jackson was the creator and finisher of the move which altered the complexion of the game. Connacht had been rugged and resilient, but Jackson spotted the small gap and was able to put Luke Marshall away. The ball was eventually fed out to Jackson, who touched down in the 58th minute and from then to the finish all that needed to be determined was how much Ulster would prevail by.
Robbie Henshaw’s new role
For 50 minutes the Connacht D was immense. Bodies were put on the line, tackles were made as if paid by commission. In the main corridor Robbie Henshaw, so effective at full back last season, stood tall and proud as a second centre making a few big hits that thrilled the Clan Stand.
The only pity, though, was that Connacht just couldn’t get Henshaw on the ball enough on their rare forays into Ulster territory. When Connacht did there were glimpses of Henshaw’s ability to join the line.
An eighth minute dash from Henshaw suggested Connacht could cause Ulster bother, but it was in the supposedly mundane chores that the local backs had to complete. Henshaw carried out his duties impressively and the versatility augurs well.
Connacht seeking to develop further
Ulster depth
A groin injury meant Craig Gilroy only returned to action during this game as a half-time replacement. Paul Marshal also joined the fray at that stage as Ulster had been disappointed by their opening period display.
It was a different story after the restart when Ulster probed incessantly before Connacht crumbled for a brief spell. The damage was done then as a 5-7 deficit was turned into a 18-7 advantage when Paddy Jackson registered 13 points. Ulster had the resolve and resources to fend off Connacht’s spirited resistance. That Ulster were able to introduce proven and polished talent was hugely relevant.
As it happened: Connacht v Ulster, RaboDirect Pro12>
You won’t see a better try than this for a long time>
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Analysis All-Ireland Senior HC Guinness PRO12 Connacht Craig Gilroy Luke Marshall Paddy Jackson robbie henshaw Ulster