Blackrock College 14
Terenure College 9
Daire Walsh reports from Tallaght Stadium
PADDY CLANCY KICKED three crucial second-half penalties as defending champions Blackrock College squeezed past a formidable challenge from Terenure College to earn their 72nd Leinster Schools Senior Cup title.
Playing in the somewhat novel venue of the Tallaght Stadium due to the ongoing redevelopment of the RDS Arena, Terenure (playing in their first senior cup decider since 2009) lead by a single point at the midway stage after Gareth Morgan had responded to an early try from ‘Rock hooker Harry O’Neill with two penalties of his own.
Try-scoring opportunities were largely at a premium during a second half that was dominated by some excellent defensive work from both teams, but Clancy’s prowess from the kicking tee eventually got Blackrock over the line.
While Terenure found themselves inside the opposition half on a couple of occasions during the early exchanges, it was ‘Rock who ultimately drew first blood with a little under seven minutes gone on the clock. The lineout had proven to be a significant attacking weapon for Justin Vanstone’s outfit en route to this showpiece affair and after out-half Clancy kicked a penalty to touch, O’Neill rounded off the ensuing maul move for his third try in this year’s competition.
Yet Clancy’s sole bonus strike of the game drifted past the target and with fly-half Morgan expertly splitting the posts from a penalty at a left-hand angle, 10-time champions Terenure were just two points in arrears on the first-quarter mark.
Sean Skehan’s side kept Blackrock on the back foot for an extended spell in the wake of this score and when referee Robbie Jenkinson awarded another penalty within kickable range on 27 minutes – this time from a central position – Morgan once again found the range to edge Terenure into the lead.
Having started the contest with a maul try, ‘Rock elected to kick another brace of penalties to touch in the closing stages of the opening period. Terenure were penalised for a lineout infringement from the first of these set-piece moves, but they subsequently stole the ball off another O’Neill delivery moments later.
This helped to ensure that ‘Nure brought a slender 6-5 cushion into the dressing rooms at the end of an intense first half of action. While this had their vocal supporters dreaming of a first Senior Cup crown in 22 years, Blackrock quickly regained the initiative on the resumption with a 42nd-minute penalty from Clancy.
The same player added another successful effort off the kicking tee on the stroke of 50 minutes – from an awkward angle on the right-hand side – before Terenure displayed their attacking intent just shy of the third quarter.
Some strong surges from influential skipper Ben Blaney and inside centre Alvaro Swords had them within inches of the post, and it looked like the latter was about to be awarded a try when he made a break for the left corner on 52 minutes. It was ultimately ruled out after the match officials penalised Terenure flanker Michael Smyth for being in the front of the ball carrier, but the play was eventually brought back for Morgan to coolly convert his third penalty of the tie.
This left the tie delicately poised heading into a tension-filled final quarter, but the dependable Clancy restored Blackrock’s five-point advantage with another penalty seven minutes from the end of normal time.
Terenure pushed hard for a game-changing try after Clancy had dropped an ambitious long-range place kick short, but almost four minutes into stoppage time, Blackrock forced a knock on to ultimately seal another memorable Senior Cup triumph.
Blackrock College scorers:
Tries – Harry O’Neill
Conversions – Paddy Clancy [0/1]
Penalties – Paddy Clancy [3/4]
Terenure College scorers:
Penalties – Gareth Morgan [3/3]
BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Joe Reddan; James Browne, Johnny O’Sullivan, Bernard White, Aiden Vetjens; Paddy Clancy, Albert Lindner (Luke Coffey ’63); Ben Guerin (Lorcan Golden ’70), Harry O’Neill, Sami Bishti; Geoffrey Wall, Artur Smykovskiy; Michael Walsh, Michael O’Sullivan, Brian Walsh.
TERENURE COLLEGE: Geoff O’Sullivan; Ethan Balamash, Michael Kennedy Alvaro Swords, Benedict Dohnal (Niall Fallon ‘67); Gareth Morgan, Jamie Coleman; Pearse Kelly (Evan McMonagle ’45), Leo Zelman (Cian Hyland ‘60), Adam Cooper; Luke McNiff, Frank Maher; Josh Mooney (Senan Gavin ’57), Michael Smyth, Ben Blaney.
Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (Leinster Rugby Referees).
I’d add Ruddock as a winner if you are viewing it as a head to head with Murphy for a versatile back rower.
I wasn’t convinced by Porter, although the scrum went well enough in the first half I don’t think he is consistent enough in set piece or having the impact he has previously had in the loose.
you could put Toner in the loser bracket ..offers you nothing
@Kieran Considine: he’d sort you out you old duffer.
he would like fcuk …watch him hitting a defensive maul on 50 mins ..fraud
@Kieran Considine: great scrummager and world class lineout option. You should update your photo – about 20 years out of date.
@Kieran Considine: Toner proves his value every time that he doesn’t play. His experience is invaluable. Not every player can be a Jordan Larmour or Tadhgh Beirne.
cant carry a player for one option . lineout….others gone by him imo ..why cant he score when he receives from 5 yards out ? sure all he has to do is fall over
@Paul Ennis: perfectly put, Paul. Some of the more negative commenters on here are fly by night rugby fans.
@Kieran Considine: clueless
@Kieran Considine: as someone else pointed out.. can anyone name a game for province or country where toner won an opposing line out?? How many lineouts in the modern game now … 5 or 6 in 80 minutes?
@Kieran Considine: seriously.
@Kieran Considine:
If you say so !! But he will be causing trouble getting his place on the airplane because they will have to adjust the seats so he can fit !! But they will have sorted it out already as he is a certainty !!
Only the 1st warm up but my 31 now, without more injuries would be
Back3: Kearney, larmour, Earls, Stockdale, Conway
Centres: henshaw, ringrose, Farrell, aki
Halves: Sexton, carbery, Murray, marmion, carry/Cooney
Front row: furlong, Ryan, Healy, kilcoyne, Porter, best, scannell, Cronin
2nd row: toner, Ryan, Henderson, beirne, kleyn
Back row: cj, pom, vdf, conan
We are lacking open side flankers so think cj is going to get time there in the warm ups, leavy a massive loss. Beirne is a far superior player to both ruddock & jordie Murphy so I think he’ll be a serious option for the back row
@Tim Magner: Bierne is second to none at the turnover. Ask for the rest of the jobs he has to do Murphy and Ruddock are better backrowers and Henderson is better at second row. It’s a case of what joe wants.
@Chris Mc: well he’s also better in the lineout than both the other two. It’s not like either the other 2 are massive ball carriers, just good honest workers. I’d say beirne is maybe just behind only pocock as a turnover forward in world rugby, that kind of world-class has to go over genuine but limited players, my opinion anyway
@Tim Magner:
‘beirne is maybe just behind only pocock as a turnover forward in world rugby’
Ah jaysus, I mean that’s not even remotely true!
@Oval Digest: who’s better?
@Tim Magner: Ruddock is a serious carrier, one of the few who has the bulk to get over the gain line regularly. Murphy I’d agree with
@Tim Magner: Michael Hooper, Sam Cane, Sam Underhill, Francois Louw, Justin Tipuric to name 5.
All of the above have been consistently excellent at test level.
Beirne hasn’t.
It’s laughable to say he’s second only to Pocock when for most of his test career so far he has been anonymous.
@Daragh O’Brien: ruddock is a very good player and a good carrier but he’s not like Peter Steph du toit as an elite carrier. I’m just measuring up their skill sets and I think beirne offers more than ruddock. I think people over estimate Jordi Murphy cos he can play across the back row, he’s average in all three positions
@Oval Digest: he’s hardly played any tests! But going by European level, which he has played a lot of, he has been far superior as a turn-over forward than louw, Underhill & tipuric. Even the most die hard kiwi fan will tell you that at the break down cane is Richie McCaw. But the fact that you mention the very best 7′s in the world as comparisons tells us all we need to know about beirnes skill set, he’s a fairly unique forward
@Tim Magner: I mention these guys because they’re all better than Tadhg Beirne, who is great at league and (sometimes) at Euro level, but has failed so far to bring that to the top level.
To say he’s the second best turnover forward in the world is not living in the reality.
If he does it at test level, like Louw, Underhill, Tipuric and others have then we can start talking about him in that way. But he hasn’t.
Talking about him as one of the ‘best in the world’ based on a lethargic warm-up against Italy and ignoring how he has done so far in his Irish test career is a bit one eyed.
@Oval Digest: ok he started against Wales in the 6ns and made a world class turnover on our goal line, stopped a certain try. Saracens who are by far the best team in Europe, came to the semi final last year with a game plan to stop beirne at the break down at all costs. They spoke about it all week & if he was within 5 yards of the breakdown he was taken out. I have never heard a team publicly name check a break down forward unless it’s pocock or McCaw. Beirne is 6’6″ and he’s harder to shift than any of these 6′ forwards.
@Tim Magner: if you have Bierne in the backrow who makes the tackles. The two honest workers tackle all day. Pom doesn’t have a massive tackle count and CJ tackles close in. A winning rugby team needs balance not just those who make the highlights reel.
He’s going to the World Cup as a secondrow/hybrid but it’s hard to see him starting in the big games. Maybe the perfect bench option ala Sean Cronin.
@Tim Magner: that’s the problem they are all 7’s, their job is to boss the breakdown, a secondrow is not doing his primary job if he’s doing the job of a 7.
@Chris Mc: as a 7 vdf offers nothing much more than a tackle machine, is that a good enough balance? Leavy is the massive loss to our back row
@Tim Magner: why are leinster fans so unwilling to recognise beirne as a class player?
@Tim Magner: you know the answer to that. It’s because they don’t want to admit they released a top class player to keep maloney and Kearney
@Jim Demps: I know ya, I was hoping Chris mc or the lad that tried to launch a sh*te fanboy blog would answer though
@Tim Magner: era ya, you’ll be waiting for that answer. All you’ll get is that he’s too lightweight, eventhough he’s not or some other rubbish. I’ve been late watching the game but there’s a few guys who’ve put their hands up and a few who’ve played their way out of a squad. Conway, Beirne and Farrell were class. Tommy and Kleyn prob didn’t do enough. Carbery is world class in waiting. Id love to see Conway get a lash at 15. Larmour was grand but huge question marks over his ability under the high ball.
@Jim Demps: I was disappointed in larmour. I thought a couple of years ago he was going to be a class act but now think he’s maybe bulked up too much. He looks lost under a high ball & the top teams with really good fly halves would crucify him. I think he might be in danger of missing the cut if Addison can prove his fitness
@Tim Magner: Addison won’t make the squad. He just won’t get enough of a chance to play rugby between now and the time of a squad announcement. At best he’ll get a start and I don’t think it’ll be enough considering Kearney will prob start two of the remaining games. I like larmour but I’m not sure if 15 is his best position. In theory it should be but he’s not brave enough under the high ball. Could be an experience thing but he’ll get crucified against a decent 10. Id like to see Conway get a run there, he proved today and all season that the high ball is no problem.
@Jim Demps: and yet Schmidt has kept Addison in the squad to give him every chance! I was in thomond 2 yrs ago when larmour scored that try & me and all the Munster fans around us thought that this guy is special, we’ve got our Shane Williams for Ireland. That has been the highlight of his career though, plus the Ulster try that year. The rabbit in the headlights under the high ball though makes him a very risky proposition at the world cup though. If he was going to cut loose today was his day. Looked a bit sluggish to me & the footwork is fooling no-one now
@Tim Magner: the problem there is that he’s played practically exclusively on the left wing. Hard for anyone to step up to playing international fullback if they aren’t getting the game time there at club. Conway faces the same issues but there’s no doubt he’s better under the high ball. It’s a bravery/ experience issue. You could argue that larmour hasn’t kicked on but I’d say he’s proved to be a solid option on the wing. No question over his RWC selection but I think there’s an absolutely huge question over his ability as the back up full back.
@Jim Demps: yes but on the wing would you select him before any of Earl’s, Stockdale or Conway? All the talk is of versatility but if he’s only 4th choice wing then he better be a viable option for fullback & I can’t see it. I’d prefer to see Conway, Addison or even henshaw ahead of larmour if Kearney gets hurt. After not lighting it up today he’s starting to look like a luxury that the squad doesn’t need
@Tim Magner: personally no I wouldn’t select him ahead of earls, stockdale or Conway. I would have him ahead of Addison. You’ve got to factor in the Schmidt Leinster factor too. If it came down to a shootout between Conway and Larmour schmidt would go for Larmour.
@Jim Demps: I think Schmidt has always gone for Conway but niggly injuries have stopped him. The guy is a class act for Munster & Ireland, tough as nails and fearless. He’s nailed on now I think. Looking at today’s games I’d take the all blacks in the quarters now before the boks! I know you’re no fan of rassie but I was gutted when he left munster
@Tim Magner: I’ve never doubted he’s ability as a top class coach, he’s obviously one of the best in the world, I just think he’s an absolute rat. Never once considered the impact on munster during all his negotiations with SA.
True about Conway, he’s definitely in pole position at the moment. I’d like to see him get a start in one of the remaining games, he’s definitely earned it. Farrell same story, was a complete menace at 12 today on both sides of the ball.
@Jim Demps: ah I wouldn’t be that hard on rassie, he was in a tough position between taking on his dream job, with the boks in the sh*t, and trying his best not to destabilize Munster in the middle of the season. That turned out to be a job too much for him cos he got questioned at every press conference. I bear him no ill- will at all, thought he did a great job for us in really tough circumstances, just remember the year before he came! Delighted for Farrell today, he’s a class act. In the semi v sarries he was our best player by a country mile
@Tim Magner: I, unfortunately, am not as gracious as you. I’d never wish anyone any ill will on anyone but that doesn’t change my opinion of him.
The other guy who I thought was excellent today was Dave Kearney. I’ve never rated him but it was one of the best games I’ve seen from him in years – eager for work and looked fit. The whole starting back row didn’t really impose themselves, same with both McGrath’s, toner and both hookers. Bit of a mixed bag from today’s game.
@Jim Demps: Dave’s problem has always been pace for the top level, but no doubt a top top pro who a bit like McFadden, has been slated for not being flash, but any team wouldn’t be weaker for having them on it. Luke mcgraths passing let him down, jack is just not mobile enough for a modern loosehead. Toner is a funny one, he’s obviously an outstanding player with all he has won & how we play when he’s not there, but as individual players you’d pick Ryan & henderson
@Tim Magner: i think there’s 3 players going to be released from the squad on Monday/ Tuesday. If I were to bet I’d say Haley, o Donnell and possibly Addison. Hard to call guys at this stage but someone has to go.
@Jim Demps: I think it’s gonna be Haley, Tommy and Dave Kearney. Unless Addison has no hope Joe is going to give him a go. Otherwise he’d have been cut last week
The big losers for me were Luke McGrath, Mike Haley, Dave Kearney, Jack McGrath, Jean Kleyn & Tommy O’Donnell….. I think they have all ruled themselves out.
I was really impressed with Jack Carty when he came on. Would probably benefit most from World Rugbys new 50/22 law!! He is probably the best kicker from hand in Irish Rugby.
@Paul Ennis: Agree re McGrath thought he was very slow getting the ball away from the ruck and just kept going the same way especially in the first half. Poor Jack Magrath just can’t get the form from 2017 back. Haley and Kearney were never going to Japan and kleyn done himself no favours.
@Paul Ennis: totally agree Paul. Carty must be on the plane to Japan. Klein a huge disappointment and Luke McGrath was poor. Marmion and Cooney must be in contention.
While it’s going to be hard for Jack McGrath to get into the squad ahead of Healy and Kilcoyne, I think he was rock solid in everything he did in that first half, particularly in the scrum.
I would actually have put Porter in the loser column ahead of him personally. I thought Porter really struggled with his scrummaging, getting popped a couple of times on the tighthead side despite going forward and conceding a penalty on the loosehead side.
There was also a clear overlap on the left-hand side in the second half that Porter ignored by choosing to crash the ball up instead to go for a try.
Schmidt may well end up travelling with three tightheads to the World Cup but I would definitely have John Ryan ahead of Porter in the squad at this point in time.
Lineouts were still not great. Scrum was solid in first half particularly. Thought Luke McGrath was very good. And nothing wrong with the work that Dave Kearney did, he’s just behind the rest of the top lads. Carbery was a class above the first half, the link play between himself, Farrell, Ringrose and Larmour was very slick. Fingers crossed.
@Seán O’Brien: I thought the 1st 2 lineout were more than a bit worrying….. Scannell proved a real positive as I dont think we lost 1 when he came on.
@Paul Ennis: Yeah we did. Managed to throw over Toner in an attack lineout in their 22 which takes some doing. Neither Herring nor Scannell did badly but neither did they shine. Herring will probably go with Best/Cronin if he’s fit though.
@Lian McGuire: in fairness toner got both hands to that and dropped it
well spotted ..couldnt do that right even and isnt that what hes there for ?
@Kieran Considine: unless its a massive overthrow lineouts are a collective responsibility. Movement, the lifters, timing, everything, I actually feel like it needs to be laid at Easterby’s feet a little. Plumtree’s teams may have usually had O’Connell but there was just total synchronicity in it. I think the pack have to really prioritise it again. Wales will put it to a real test. You can’t just expect it to work out because Toner is really tall. There is probably a case where they are going to limit the number of calls for lineouts that they are going to use before the WC, but the wheels need to be well greased.
Farrell was good in fairness. Ther all still bit rusty. Hard for anyone to shine, when its a sloppy old game like that.
Conway was good to.
Didn’t see all the game (seen most of the second half and the opening 10 minutes), how did Larmour play?
What I seen liked more assured in terms of positioning. Offered little going forward which was broadly common in that second half.
Conway looked good. I’d like to see him at FB. Addison to me is the bolter mostly due to his versatility.
Just looking for general thoughts
@Michael Buckley: Lamrour kicked really smartly in the first half. Got back to touch down a few dangerous grubbers by the Italians, and generally just appeared to be really solid. Was caught underneath Italian right wing for one crossfield kick, but assisted for two tries and was generally just really solid. To me he finally looked like the guy who will permanently replace Kearney when he’s done.
@Seán O’Brien: um, are you talking about yesterday’s game?? Larmour is nowhere near being ready to take Kearney’s place.
This is a long winded blast at today’s Post section :: be warned it is ”bias and about bias” boring I am sure as well ::::::
At the beginning of the page we had the pleasure of meeting two posters , Kieran Considine ::Walter Obrien :Two of the best fly by night rugby fans: we have ever read. But that was only the starter before the main course:: Then we got a Jim and Tim Magner (a new comrade who breathes the same air) take over that lasted for 14 :::10 (24 posts):they held onto it for 14 posts in a row:: In that time it was a “love in” between Munster lovers:: When you read their Bias, finishing in, out of the 31 on the plane 11 would be their players. This section was littered with great lines like ::::: “”You’ve got to factor in the Schmidt Leinster factor too” ” vdf offers nothing much more than a tackle machine”” :: “”both of McGrath’s, toner, Porter and both hookers.: didn’t impose themselves””, “It’s a case of what joe wants.:but :: all the time you have to add in Leinster and Schmidt”” you can image when we got to the end of this 15 posts love in, one was thinking we should just pick the panel who lost their S/F in the H C Cup. The funny part was some of the players they were pushing played well and have helped their position for Japan:
: Just to say one thing we learned was that Carty is one of the best out of hand kicker since ROG:: so that was the most of the page (bias parts and all) then at the end Seán O’Brien sent out some posts and now we see a very good poster with no obvious bias just good points :: GOD wish there was more like him (I know I have my bias side as well) then if that happens we would not have something like this abomination page again !!