THE OPENING 20 minutes of Ulster v Leinster were some of the most exciting of the season and featured a few moments of immense physicality and skill. Ulster out-half Paddy Jackson has had a frustrating injury-interrupted season and last Friday was a great chance to force himself back into the World Cup picture.
His slashing break in the build-up to Iain Henderson’s try was just what he needed. Not only did he do well to wriggle between two tacklers, he also put opposite number Jimmy Gopperth on his backside with a ferocious bit of power.
Ian Madigan was Johnny Sexton’s number two during the Six Nations but if Jackson can finish the season strongly, there is a chance for him to usurp the Leinster back.
Madigan will suffer from Leinster not being involved in the Pro12 playoffs while his Ulster rival should have a few more chances to impress in big games.
One bright spot to come out of the game for Leinster was Ben Te’o's continued progression with the ball in hand. The Kiwi has shown that he has a great eye for a running line and after last week’s big fend on Mathieu Bastareaud, Ulster eight Roger Wilson was the recipient this time.
Ulster host Munster in two weeks time in a game that will likely decide which province gets the luxury of a home semi-final.
Here’s hoping it reaches the same level of intensity that Friday’s game did.
Even when on the bench he didn’t get game time. The coach doesn’t like or trust him. Saturday once again showed just how wrong O’connor has been all season
O’Connor is just all wrong for Leinster.
He has a very big chance next season with Leinster during the World Cup, midfield won’t be as competitive so he should get a good run of matches.
Mark if Darcy doesn’t make the World Cup squad, he’ll play 12 with t’eo at 13. Then Madigan and sexton will be back so the midfield won’t be as easy to get into as you may think
That pop pass from O’Brien
Battle between him and Madigan for the 12 jersey next season.
It’s always to easy to see who coaches ‘just like/don’t like’. When Gopperth played badly it was ignored whereas when Madigan played mediocre or even if Reid played well decisions went against them.
It creates such a poisonous culture as some players start to feel entitled to spots and others feel it doesn’t matter how well they play they won’t get picked. Cody and Fergusson were masters at disregarding players identities and judging on match performance alone. MOC is such a stink manager.