A Leinster Triumph

By Gary Watton
May 26 2013

Now that the dust has settled on another domestic season, the time has come for yours truly to issue his end of term report.

First of all Connacht are probably to be congratulated on finishing eighth in the Pro12 league table. They are still way off the play-off places, but nobody expects Connacht to mount a serious challenge for silverware. However, what they can be commended for is that they are competitive nowadays and no longer a punchbag for all and sundry.

Munster meanwhile have had a bizarre season. Narrowly losing another Heineken Cup semi-final, this time to the particularly strong Clermont Auvergne, represents something of a bragging right. However, Munster's domestic season in the Pro12 was a sorry tale. This province has set high standards for itself over the last glorious dozen years, so a finishing position of sixth will be deemed as unacceptable. Whereas Leinster appear to be able to cope in the absence of Brian O'Driscoll, Munster appear to badly miss their inspirational talisman, Paul O'Connell. I expect Munster to come back stronger in next season's Pro12. Nothing quite galvanises Munster than the Leinster contingent acquiring a couple of items of silverware, domestic and European.

Ulster are currently licking their wounds after coming up just short in the Pro12 final. There is something a little sickening about finishing first in the league, but then not translating this apparent superiority in the subsequent final. Ulster were again taught a lesson by the streetwise Leinster in how to execute chances and defend under pressure. Their plight was summed up by Robbie Diack absolutely butchering an opportunity for a touchdown in the corner. On such small margins are finals won and lost. Ulster can however take great heart from a rampaging scrum (that came agonisingly close to earning a penalty try) as well as  a dynamic back division, bursting with talent. Nevertheless, Rory Best did admit afterwards that the team had set the target of winning silverware, and the absence of such is a failure. This is a bit harsh. Ulster are going places, assisted by the ball-carrying Williams, the lethal Pienaar, the impressive Jared Payne, and a wealth of homegrown talent. Most teams will do well to avoid being pooled together with Ulster in next season's Heineken Cup.

I paid a sizeable tribute to Leinster following last Friday's Amlin Cup success. On their day, Leinster remain more than a match for anyone. One would anticipate that this proud province will make a determined effort to recapture European rugby's top club prize next year after the chastening experience of being evicted at the conclusion of the pool stage. With two shiny pieces of silverware in the trophy cabinet, Leinster remain the most formidable team in Britain and Ireland.