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As it happened: Guinness Pro12, final day match tracker

There is a LOT to play for in the last round of fixtures.

WE KNOW WHO the four playoff teams are, but Munster, Ulster, Glasgow and Ospreys still have to decide who will play who and where. Also, we have Connacht’s attempt to qualify for the Champions Cup, either automatically or by making it into the seventh place playoff.

The Guinness PRO12 trophy Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

In short, this is going to be a fun day. 

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the action. Email will@the42.ie, tweet@the42_ie, post a message to our Facebook wall, or leave a comment below.

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This is such a weird feeling… the final round of the Pro12 and we have about five games that mean something! If you are a fan of Cardiff Blues or Zebre, then you should leave this liveblog because I will not be mentioning that soaking wet squib even once.

However, I’ll be casting an eye over these quintet of fixtures.

  • Munster v Dragons
  • Connacht v Ospreys
  • Edinburgh v Leinster
  • Glasgow v Ulster
  • Treviso v Scarlets

Leinster might have nothing to play for but there are some interesting things to look out for in their trip to Edinburgh. Firstly, a win would secure Connacht a place in the Champions Cup playoff.

Also, Colm O’Shea and Noel Reid will start in the centre, a duo who haven’t see much game-time this season. Ian Madigan also gets the nod at ten while Lansdowne youngster Cian Kelleher will provide back three cover from the bench. No Garry Ringrose though, we will have to wait a few more months for that.

Edinburgh: 15 Jack Cuthbert, 14 Dougie Fife, 13 Sam Beard, 12 Andries Strauss, 11 Tim Visser, 10 Tom Heathcote, 9 Sam Hidlago-Clyne, 8 Cornell Du Preez, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Fraser McKenzie, 5 Ben Toolis, 4 Anton Bresler, 3 John Andress, 2 Ross Ford (c), 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Neil Cochrane, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Simon Berghan, 19 Ollie Atkins, 20 James Hilterbrand, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22  Jade Te Rure, 23 Tom Brown.

Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Zane Kirchner, 13 Colm O’Shea, 12 Noel Reid, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Jamie Heaslip (c), 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Jordi Murphy, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Michael Bent, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Tom Denton, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Jimmy Gopperth, 23 Cian Kelleher.

Munster host the Dragons at Musgrave Park knowing that a bonus point win will secure them a home semi-final. They have rested some key men but should still be good enough to secure a five-point win.

Munster: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Denis Hurley (c), 11 Ronan O’Mahony, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Paddy Butler, 6 Donnacha Ryan, 5 Paul O’Connell, 4 Billy Holland, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 John Ryan.
Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Sean Dougall, 20 Jack O’Donoghue, 21 Duncan Williams, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Andrew Conway.

Dragons: 15 Jason Tovey, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dorian Jones, 9 Jonathan Evans, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Nic Cudd, 6 Nick Crosswell, 5 Rynard Landman (c), 4 Cory Hill, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Hugh Gustafson, 1 Boris Stankovich.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Buckley, 17 Phil Price, 18 Lloyd Fairbrother, 19 Matthew Screech, 20 James Benjamin, 21 Richie Rees, 22 Ashton Hewitt, 23 Geraint Rhys Jones.

Ulster boss Neil Doak seems to have conceded the home semi-final in favour of resting some of his frontline players. Some make the bench, while others have been omitted entirely.

Glasgow: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Richie Vernon, 12 Peter Horne, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Niko Matawalu, 8 Adam Ashe, 7 Chris Fusaro, 6 Josh Strauss, 5 Al Kellock (c), 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Rossouw de Klerk, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Ryan Grant
Replacements: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Gordon Reid, 18 Mike Cusack, 19 Leone Nakarawa, 20 Ryan Wilson, 21 Henry Pyrgos, 22 Duncan Weir, 23 Peter Murchie

Ulster: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Rory Scholes, 13 Sam Arnold, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Michael Allen, 10 Ian Humphreys, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Chris Henry (c), 6 Clive Ross, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Louis Stevenson, 3 Ricky Lutton,  2 Rob Herring, 1 Andrew Warwick
Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 Kyle McCall, 18 Bronson Ross, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Roger Wilson, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Tommy Bowe

Judging from the teams selected, this semi-final line-up looks pretty likely:

Munster v Ulster

Glasgow v Ospreys.

One interesting thing about the Ulster line-up is that Stuart McCloskey starts at inside centre. The Bangor Bulldozer has been in dominant form in the last few weeks and should thrive in a starting role today.

The Scarlets lead Connacht by four points in the race for the automatic Champions Cup place and the westerners need the Welsh side to lose without any bonus points away to Treviso, and then beat the Ospreys at the Sportsgrounds.

Were the Scarlets to pick up a losing bonus point in Italy, then Connacht would have to win with a bonus point.

The Welsh team need just two points to clinch a place in next season’s European Cup.

Will this help or hinder Rhys Webb at the Sportsgrounds?

BOD seemed a little off in similar circumstances against England in 2013.

An raft of backline injuries at Connacht has seen Fionn Carr brought back into the team. Does he still have the ability to influence such an important game?

There is actually a similar scenario happening in England today, with the Aviva Premiership playing their final round of matches. Leicester, Exeter and Saracens are competing for two playoff places and it looks like the Chiefs might be the team that misses out.

Just ten minutes to kick off now… who do you think will come out on top in today’s games?

Glasgow, Munster with BP, Scarlets with BP, Leinster and Ospreys is 5/1… worth a punt?

If you put Alun Wyn Jones’ face into that stupid ‘guess the age’ app, he’d get about 50!

We are off on Judgement Day!

Good start by the Connacht scrum in Galway.

TRY! Munster 7-3 Dragons

Australian centre Andrew Smith shows lovely footwork to dance down the touchline and touch down in the corner. Perfect start for Munster at Musgrave Park.

Glasgow 3-0 Ulster

Munster 7-10 Dragons

Finn Russell has kicked Glasgow into the lead after Ulster go offside while the Dragons have struck back immediately through Ashton Hewitt!

Edinburgh 3-0 Leinster

Connacht 0-3 Ospreys

A scrum offence allows Dan Biggar to give the Ospreys the lead in Galway while Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has opened the scoring in Scotland.

Tom Denton replaced Mike McCarthy after the second row was suspected of having a concussion. The replacement has now gone off for the same test.

Munster 14-10 Dragons

A classic Munster score! Keatley goes to the corner with a penalty and CJ Stander rumbles over from the back of a maul.

Tommy Bowe has come off the bench for the injured Michael Allen in Glasgow.

Ospreys are piling on the pressure early on in Galway.

Great maul defence from Connacht keeps the Ospreys out… just as Treviso open the scoring against the Scarlets! UPSET ALERT*!

*Just trying to generate some excitement

Treviso 5-0 Scarlets

Edinburgh 3-3 Leinster

Davide Giazzon scored for the Italian’s but Jayden Hayward missed the conversion. Meanwhile, who said Ian Madigan couldn’t be a traditional ten? Jordi Murphy wins a lineout in Edinburgh territory and then Madigan slots a DG.

Connacht 0-10 Ospreys

The Connacht scrum is destroyed, allowing Dan Biggar to cross under the posts. Looks like Connacht might even miss out on the Champions Cup playoff unless Leinster do them a favour.

Munster 21-10 Dragons

The home side set another maul and after going through the phases, Conor Murray burrows over from close range. Another try and Munster will secure the one seed, and a home game with Ulster, as it stands.

TRY! Edinburgh 3-10 Leinster

Ian Madigan and Sean O’Brien combine to release the forgotten man Noel Reid, who finishes with gusto. A lovely score by Matt O’Connor’s men.

Bad news for Ulster…

Obviously Connacht wouldn’t want to lose Kieran Marmion, but John Cooney has played some excellent rugby in the last few weeks.

Treviso 8-0 Scarlets

Munster 28-10 Dragons

Hayward kicks another penalty so if Connacht can turn things around at home, they will take the last automatic Champions Cup spot. Elsewhere, Murray’s second try has sealed a bonus point for Munster.

Treviso 8-3 Scarlets

A Rhys Priestland penalty has reduced the gap to five in Italy.

Connacht 0-17 Ospreys

Ben John scores an easy try and it could already be game over at the Sportsgrounds. Very disappointing performance by Pat Lam’s men.

Treviso 13-3 Scarlets

Edinburgh 10-10 Leinster

Connacht 0-24 Ospreys

A Jayden Hayward interception try for Treviso increases their lead while Hamish Watson has levelled the match in Edinburgh. Also, new dad Rhys Webb has crossed for the Ospreys’ third try, and as it stands, Connacht will be playing in the Challenge Cup next season.

Glasgow 3-7 Ulster

After a yellow card to Glasgow second row Jonny Gray, Chris Henry touches down after a rolling maul. As it stands, Munster would host Glasgow!.

Edinburgh 10-17 Leinster

Ian Madigan plays a part in another Leinster score, this time linking with Dave Kearney to put replacement Jack Conan over for a score.

Glasgow 6-7 Ulster

Another Russell penalty reduces the gap to the minimum right on half time.

Glasgow 6-10 Ulster

But Ian Humphreys puts the lead back to four almost immediately with a penalty of his own.

Ospreys were just denied their fourth try but the TMO. They have a home semi-final as it stands and it just depends on who they will host.

TRY! Munster 33-10 Dragons

It what could be his last ever game at Musgrave Park, Paul O’Connell crashes over at the back of the maul, which has been a potent weapon for Munster in the first half.

We have now reached half time in the final round of the Pro12. Here are the scores:

Connact 0-24 Ospreys

Munster 33-10 Dragons

Edinburgh 10-17 Leinster

Glasgow 6-10 Ulster

Treviso 13-3 Scarlets.

Munster 38-10 Dragons

Munster are putting on a real show in their regular season finale. Keith Earls has scored their sixth try at the start of the second half.

Connacht 3-24 Ospreys

Jack Carty kicks a penalty from straight in front, and then runs back to halfway like Steven Gerrard in Istanbul in 2005!

Pat Lam obviously did his best Joe Kernan impression at half time, throwing his Challenge Cup registration sheet against the wall at half time!

Edinburgh 13-17 Leinster

Things get a little more nervous for Connacht as Hidalgo-Clyne narrows the gap for Edinburgh.

Munster 40-17 Dragons

Denis Hurley and Jason Tovey swap tries in what is a very entertaining game in Cork.

Connacht 6-24 Ospreys

Connacht kick another penalty with 30 minutes to go. Can they do the unthinkable?

It’s all Connacht at the moment!

TRY! Connacht 11-24 Ospreys

Eoghan Masterson goes over at the back of a maul. Game on in Galway! If Connacht can somehow get the win, they will be in the Champions Cup – as things stand.

Edinburgh 18-22 Leinster

Pressure back on Connacht as Tim Visser reduces the gap with a try.

Connacht 13-24 Ospreys

Glasgow 11-10 Ulster

Carty nailed the touchline conversion in Galway while Stuart Hogg has given Glasgow the lead after gathering a grubber kick to score.

Edinburgh 20-22 Leinster

Hidalgo-Clyne converted the tricky kick and now Edinburgh are a score away from putting Connacht into the Challenge Cup… although they are a few scores away from putting themselves into the Champions Cup. Permutations!

TRY! Treviso 13-8 Scarlets

Big score for the Welsh side as Liam Williams touches down in Italy. A losing bonus point would be enough for that last Champions Cup place.

Treviso 13-10 Scarlets

Glasgow 18-10 Ulster

Priestland converts Williams’ try while Finn Russell goes over for Glasgow.

Munster 45-17 Dragons

Conor Murray completes his hat-trick as Munster edge towards the half century. They host Ulster, as it stands.

Edinburgh 23-22 Leinster

Hidalgo-Clyne puts Edinburgh in front with another penalty. Unless Leinster score or Connacht complete their comeback, they will be in the Challenge Cup.

TRY! Treviso 13-15 Scarlets

Steff Evans crosses for the Welsh side, who look to have secured Champions Cup rugby for next season.

Edinburgh’s kickoff goes out on the full and Leinster have a scrum on halfway. Connacht will be praying that they can milk a penalty…

TRY! Edinburgh 23-27 Leinster

They did much better than that as Jordi Murphy scores a try that puts Connacht back into the Champions Cup playoff place!

Edinburgh 23-29 Leinster

Madigan converts to increase Leinster’s lead to six.

TRY! Glasgow 25-10 Ulster

Another Finn Russell dart from close-range yields another Glasgow try. If Glasgow score another try, they will host Ulster in the semi-finals, with the Ospreys travelling to Munster.

TRY! Glasgow 32-10 Ulster

The Scottish side have secured a home semi-final and unless the Ospreys score a fourth try, they will host Ulster in a rematch next weekend.

FT Edinburgh 23-29 Leinster

Leinster end their season with a win, which means that Connacht will play away to Gloucester in the Champions Cup playoff semi-final.

TRY! Connacht 20-24 Ospreys

Denis Buckley dives over for a consolation score for the home side as the clock strikes 80.

FT Connacht 20-24 Ospreys

The Ospreys had three tries at half time but their inability to score a fourth cost them a home playoff game. They will visit Munster next Saturday.

FT Munster 50-27 Dragons

A dominant Munster display means they earn the right to host the Ospreys next Saturday evening in what should be a cracker. The Welsh side won at Thomond Park earlier in the season.

FT Glasgow 32-10 Ulster

A rampant second half from the home side means that they will face Ulster at home next Friday night. Of course, Ulster will be at full-strength for the semi-final clash…

That’s all the games wrapped up this evening and thank you for joining me for this afternoon’s riveting final day! Make sure to check the site in the next few minutes as we go through what all the results mean for next weekend’s Pro12 and Champions Cup playoffs.

One of the most dangerous men in rugby has reminded everyone why he is so feared

Is Johnny Sexton being punished for a recent poor performance?

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15 Comments
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    Mute john fleming
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:40 PM

    no Conway is the man. fast can tackle & safe hands under a high ball

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    Mute Anthony
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:02 PM

    @john fleming: shtop.

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    Mute Ravensburger
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:57 PM

    @john fleming: Ha ha ha

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:14 PM

    He’s too dangerous a finisher to take off the wing. I’d like to see Stockdale-Lowe-Larmour next season

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    Mute Bluepoolroad
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:22 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Lowe is qualified?

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    Mute Paul Pogba
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: that would be a ridiculous backline

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    Mute John John
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:35 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: oh Jesus Christ !!!!

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:54 PM

    @Bluepoolroad: after the world cup

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    Mute Eddie Hekenui
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:25 PM

    I think it’s November 2020 before he qualifies

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    Mute Padraic Burke
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:43 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Keith Earls won’t be pushed out that easily.

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    Mute Anthony
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:01 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Jesus did earl’s steal your wife or something

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    Mute Baz Dunne
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:52 PM

    @Padraic Burke: Earls isn’t half the player that Lowe is.

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:53 PM

    Earl’s is much older and in a years time it is unlikely that he will still be the best winger. If he is then fair play to him. I hope I’m proven wrong!

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    Mute Anthony
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:57 PM

    @Baz Dunne: your right. He’s twice the player.

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    Mute Martin Quinn
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    Apr 19th 2019, 1:06 AM

    @Anthony:

    For Leinster the qualification of Jamison Gibson-Park at the end of 2019 will mean J Lowe should become a regular because that 2 into 3 problem will be gone. But it will not be till next year that he could qualifie (if he wants to go for a place in the Ireland setup)

    A fine player but Earls is the man !!

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    Mute Richard James
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    Apr 19th 2019, 3:50 AM

    @Baz Dunne: And you’re clearly not half the expert you think you are.

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    Mute BMJF
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    Apr 19th 2019, 9:16 AM

    @Bluepoolroad: yes Lowe can play I. Next 6nations I think … has to be in the mix as does Adam Byrne I think if he keeps progressing post the Kearney, Earls era

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    Mute southside
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:51 PM

    Is there anything to be said for Simon Zebo?

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    Mute Baz Dunne
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:58 PM

    @southside: No

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    Mute Rudiger McMonihan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:11 PM

    @southside: if he comes back then absolutely

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    Mute T Meister
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:26 PM

    @Rudiger McMonihan: Zebo shouldn’t have to come back to qualify. He is 1/2 French and has chosen to experience that culture. Should that restrict his eligibility?? NO
    Bad example but Imagine telling Irish soccer players plying their trade in England you need to play in the league of Ireland.
    Zebo record try scorer for Munster
    Was on shortlist in his 1 season for Top 14 player of the year. Of course he should be considered.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:29 PM

    @southside: yeah get lost Simon

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    Mute Anthony
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:04 PM

    @T Meister: yes it most certainly should restrict it. We need to protect our provincial game because at the moment it’s working. Look at how bad the French team are because they have no control over french club players

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    Mute Baz Dunne
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:53 PM

    @T Meister: I can’t believe we’re STILL having the Zebo conversation.

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Apr 19th 2019, 12:05 AM

    @Anthony:
    So should Sexton have been dropped too?

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    Mute Martin Quinn
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    Apr 19th 2019, 1:11 AM

    @The Great Unwashed:

    Different times my friend and all gone over many many times .

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    Mute T Meister
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    Apr 19th 2019, 9:25 AM

    @Anthony: FREEDOM of choice for ALL.
    Best players who qualify for this country should be considered. Provinces should stand on their own merits encourage Irish players to stay but not the detriment of the National Side being able to choose The Best 15.

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Apr 19th 2019, 9:51 AM

    @Martin Quinn:
    Not different times at all. The ‘rule’ applied to players before Sexton and after Sexton, so why didn’t it apply to Sexton himself?
    You can’t have a policy and then choose to disregard it when it’s inconvenient – either it’s the policy or it isn’t.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Apr 19th 2019, 9:58 AM

    @The Great Unwashed: maybe you should change your name to the great uneducated, this was enforced because of sexton.

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Apr 19th 2019, 2:07 PM

    @Chris Mc:
    What does that even mean? The policy was there long before Sexton moved to Racing, so why wasn’t it applied to him as it was applied to other players who moved overseas?

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    Mute ©️⚙️NNA©️HT6️⃣6️⃣
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    Apr 19th 2019, 3:00 PM

    @The Great Unwashed: I know the reason as you certainly do by the question you asked and for THIS reply to be published this is all I can say.

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    Mute Paddy Waggon
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    No.
    His a winger.
    Stick to players playing in there natural position. Instead of fannying about.

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    Mute Kevin Donnelly
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:18 PM

    @Paddy Waggon: played u20 at full back and pretty impressive at that

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    Mute Paddy Waggon
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:06 PM

    @Kevin Donnelly: why was he moved to the wing so .

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    Mute Dino Baggio
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:23 PM

    @Paddy Waggon: To get game time in a position which is not as challenging for a young inexperienced player. He will be Ulster’s 15 for years to come imo

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    Mute Declan Snow
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:39 PM

    Even though his defence has improved over the past 12 months, it remains the weakest part of his game. At 15 he could be exposed by all of the open ground as opposed to being able to use the touchline as an extra defender. It could improve for pro14 level but I don’t think he could manage international.

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    Mute Daragh O'Brien
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    Apr 18th 2019, 11:12 PM

    @Declan Snow: It’s his defensive positioning and reads that have let him down, rather than his tackle technique. At 15 he’ll only really be needed to shut someone down when they break the line and he has the speed to do it. Would really like to see him there.

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    Mute Baz Dunne
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:57 PM

    The thoughts of a Stockdale, Lowe, Larmour back 3 going into the next world cup cycle is mouth watering!

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    Mute Aaron Tynan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:21 PM

    I’d prefer to see Larmour getting some serious game time back there!

    He needs to be given a few games on the run

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    Mute Bluepoolroad
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:24 PM

    @Aaron Tynan: In what aspect(s) of his game is Jordan better than Jacob?

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    Mute John Keenan
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:39 PM

    @Bluepoolroad: actually grounding the ball for one

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    Mute Graham O'Hara
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:20 PM

    @John Keenan: savage

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    Mute Stephen Foster
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:28 PM

    @John Keenan: that was harsh now in fairness.

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    Mute Biscuits Patinkin
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:39 PM

    @Stephen Foster: funny tho

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Apr 19th 2019, 12:06 AM

    @Bluepoolroad:
    Knowing when to pass.

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    Mute Brian O'Driscoll
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    Apr 19th 2019, 1:14 AM

    I think everyone is forgetting about Addison. I think he will have a say in that back 3 over the next 4 – 8 years.

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    Mute Bungee Aky
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:11 PM

    Stockdale can’t / won’t pass.
    You need a 15 that can pass.

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    Mute Ian Frizzell
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:44 PM

    @Bungee Aky: so Rob Lyttle got the ball by telepathy on Friday night?

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    Mute Bungee Aky
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:03 PM

    @Ian Frizzell: you said it

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    Mute Kazoochka
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:11 PM

    @Bungee Aky: Rob “Straightens the line” Kearney never saw a ball he couldnt run into the first chaser with

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    Mute Kevin Donnelly
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:20 PM

    @Bungee Aky: Kearney is knowing for his passing rather than his running into contact ;-)

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    Mute Richard James
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    Apr 19th 2019, 3:53 AM

    @Bungee Aky: also a dodgy defender

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    Mute Richard James
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    Apr 19th 2019, 3:54 AM

    @Kevin Donnelly: In what alternate universe is that true?

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    Mute Malachy Guilfoyle
    Favourite Malachy Guilfoyle
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    Apr 18th 2019, 8:43 PM

    I never feel confident that he will catch a high contested ball in game.

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    Mute Macca
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:48 PM

    The question is, who will be fb come world cup

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    Mute Rochelle
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:07 PM

    Henshaw is our best natural fullback, I hope Joe sticks with him in the warm ups.

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    Mute Kazoochka
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:44 PM

    @Rochelle: showed against england he has almost no positional sense to defend the chip over the top. If he isnt playing 15 for leinster (he wont be) its a non runner for Ire

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    Mute Ravensburger
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    Apr 18th 2019, 10:58 PM

    @Rochelle: He is in his hoop

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    Mute Dino Baggio
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    Apr 18th 2019, 11:03 PM

    @Kazoochka: bovine excrement! He covered as well as anyone would have with that defensive set up. Even with the tweaks that followed RK with all his experience was caught several times v Italy. Give players that much time to look up and pick and choose their kicks and with nobody else dropping into the backfield the best 15 in the world would have struggled. England just out gunned us tactically and broke our defence down, I wouldn’t go pointing the finger at any one player.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Apr 19th 2019, 10:01 AM

    @Kazoochka: both Earls and Stockdale made horrible calls in the game and expecting an full back to read those is a bit much.

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    Mute Jim Lynch
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    Apr 18th 2019, 9:55 PM

    Larmour is prob next in line, he still has a lot of learning to do in my opinion. There are a lot of times in games where his decision making with ball in hand gets him (team) in trouble. No doubting his ability but sometimes he should just take the direct line of contact and get go forward rather than trying to jink statically around guys and then get pushed back a few meters

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    Mute Gavin Mitchell
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    Apr 18th 2019, 7:19 PM

    Well itd be interesting. Hes a tall lad so fielding wouldnt be an issue. In terms of speed hes very quick as well. But is he too tqll that hes an easier target?

    Worth a try at least.

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    Mute Anthony O Connell
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    Apr 19th 2019, 9:26 AM

    I’d much rather keep him on the wing. It’s a pity Haley has taken the fullback position at Munster as I believe Conway is our best all rounded fullback in the country. While larmour and Addison have still to add to their game, I believe Conway has all the right attributes to make a top quality fullback at international level.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Apr 19th 2019, 10:03 AM

    @Anthony O Connell: Conway has never really claimed the Munster 15 shirt and always seems to be injured when the internationals come around. He’s no spring chicken either.

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    Mute Mick O'Shea
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    Apr 19th 2019, 11:23 AM

    You shut up.
    I’m Eoin McLove.
    I can do what I lie!

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