IT WAS MORE a night for soft edges and blurred lines than definitives as Leinster and Ulster grabbed a bonus point apiece while dishing up a 54-42 shoot-out at the RDS.
However, for Ulster playmaker Angus Curtis it proved to be a nightmare before Christmas as he suffered a horrible injury during the second half when he powered his way into contact in Leinster’s 22.
“We’re really disappointed for him. It’s gutting for him,” said Ulster head coach Dan McFarland, who questioned the legality of Scott Fardy’s defence in the incident.
”He got injured in a tackle that looked high to me. George (Clancy, referee) didn’t think so at the time. I haven’t had a chance to look back at it.
“A typical situation for Angus, carrying the ball into the teeth of a defence at 100 miles an hour and showing no fear. We’re gutted for him but that’s typical of the man, showing that.”
Despite McFarland needing to put a makeshift look on his already altered back-line after Curtis left the field, Ulster managed to finish the stronger of the sides while grounding six tries.
The majority of those scores came when the match was already beyond Ulster, but both coaches justifiably paid heed to how the final quarter unfolded.
“We lose our way a little bit.” Says Cullen while he’s talking through the second half.
“It’s a good experience for a lot of our lads as well, we had a lot of academy guys in there, it’s just another step in their development.
“Pleasing to get a bonus point, but disappointing clearly to concede that many points, particularly here at home.”
He added: “unfortunately, that’s the feeling we have now, it’s a frustrating feeling.”
McFarland was also sifting through a mishmash of positive and negatives. With a similarly under-strength line-up for this fixture in January they suffered a sorry-looking 40-7 loss.
On top of a point to show for their efforts last night and to add to their Conference A tally, they finished the game on a 0-21 scoring run.
“We’ve got to be pleased with six tries at the RDS and scored 42 points, not many teams do that here,” said McFarland.
“I see progress in four new caps and Dave (O’Connor) in his first start. All five showed up well and had a good impact. From that point of view there’s definitely progress.”
“Look, it’s only the final score that matters. When they needed to play well and they needed to get on top of us they did and that was the winning of the game.
“As I say, last year we couldn’t get a grasp back and today we could. That earned us a bonus point and we deserved a bonus point which was fair credit to the lads out on the pitch.”
Noel back. #justice
I am over the moon Kelleher is getting his first cap, I have been extremely impressed with him in his performances with the A’s. Great game for Hugh to start and he’ll have the added bonus of Reid giving his experience slotting into first receiver at times. Delighted for Ferg, one of the most underrated players in Irish rugby. Nice mix of youth and experience to come off the bench to.
@Ian Verdon: When I saw the news I knew you’d be excited. He’s a huge prospect. Prototypical modern hooker in that he has good fundamentals with good balls skills and is a very good athlete too. Excited to see how he goes. Leinster were so sure if his ability that they had no problem letting McElroy (who is a good prospect himself) head off to Saracens
@Ian Verdon: The stars are aligning for Kelleher. Hopefully he takes his chance and pushes on. Difficult trying to break into the Leinster set up as a backrow forward these days but if Kelleher makes an instant impact, he’ll get himself firmly in frame. Sean Cronin is 33 in May and as good as Tracy (international) and Byrne are at this level, they’re not gonna get in the way of an outstanding prospect. There’s a gap there and this guy could be the one to fill it.
@grandslamkbo: @Eddie Hekenui: Yeah I will not hide that I think he’s a super prospect and I love his style of play. There are still some question marks re his darts but I’ve seen him playing a good few times and in all the games bar one he hit his man on the every throw, it’s obviously an area he’s been practicing significantly as any br who is transitioning to a Hk needs to. Imo he’s scrummaging is very good and in the loose he’s an animal. His ruck work is improving and the hits he puts in are bone crunching. He has all the foundations and weapons to be a top drawer 2 at both provincial and national level let’s hope he stays relatively injury free and can make the most of his talents and continue to improve.
@Ian Verdon: Agreed on all of that. I’ve been waiting for him to arrive on the scene for a couple of years now. If he lives up to his potential he’ll be a serious player
@Eddie Hekenui: Got a ticket for the match, hopefully he’ll go well. Always like going to see provincial games this time of year, you get a great mix of fringe, youth and older experienced players often with a point to prove. Fingers crossed it’s a more complete performance than last week and there’s some eye catching rugby played by both sides.
@Ian Verdon: What has been your favourite A game?
@Tase Jansey: I enjoyed the game vs Cardiff and the munster game the most this season. What about for you?
Any chance the 42 will do a count on the other 3 provinces to see how many players were used by them
Ronan went to St Michaels which is a fee paying school like the vast majority of Leinster players
@tubbsyf: You should see an Orthopedic consultant, Cause that chip on your shoulder is huge!
@Californialov3: they might remove his head from his ar se too.
@Chris Mc: Wait, If is head is in his arse, Doe’s he go to a proctologist or a Neurologist? Asking for a friend..
@tubbsyf: He also likes Chinese food, classical jazz and prefers to listen rather than talk
@Californialov3: maybe a good holiday would do.
@tubbsyf: those fees are a tax on stupidity.
@tubbsyf: their father is the principal there, so they probably got an auld discount
Great to see so many young players again. Anyone know why frawley’s not involved again?
No sign of Frawley again. Is he injured/ otherwise occupied?
@Captain NerbNerb: Definitely strange that nothing is reported. No-one on lf.com seems to know either. If it was an injury, you’d think they would have mentioned it although their pressers are always vague
@Captain NerbNerb: He did pick up an injury in February but haven’t heard anything since
Those Kellehers have some good genetics,