Testing times for club rugby
03/28/2025 05:00 AM
WEEKENDS are traditionally associated with treats, and rugby fans gorged themselves over three days with a generous helping of first-class URC pairings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday last.
From an Irish provinces' point of view, the results did not go their way, with Leinster tasting their first defeat in this season's competition away to the Bulls, and Munster (v Glasgow Warriors) and Connacht (v Ospreys) both failing to hold onto last-minute leads.
Ulster were the only ones to register a win, holding on for a 30-34 score away to the Dragons.
Recent results have put Munster into a difficult position in their bid for a place in the top eight.
Ian Costello's side have dropped down to sixth place in the rankings on 34 points, one place ahead of the Ospreys and the Stormers, and while their run-in to the finish may appear to be within their grasp, this Saturday’s sold-out tie against Connacht at MacHale Park in Castlebar has taken on a high level of significance.
On the recent loss, Costelloe expressed his disappointment: "We are gutted. We played well for most of the game, but they came back with a strong performance in the last 15 minutes. We just could not finish the job and now we are under pressure for a win against Connacht. It is going to be a huge test."
There is a genuine fear that Irish rugby is going through a period of mediocrity, with the provinces slipping and the club game struggling to produce quality talent.
The AIL has not made its way to Shannonside, for instance, since 2009 and over the past couple of seasons, local clubs, once the pride and joy of the national game, are struggling to keep their heads above water.
On the other hand, there are some individually talented players coming through the Munster system and for most of the fixture in Glasgow, Ben O'Connor, Tony Butler. Brian Gleeson and Paddy Patterson showed that they are capable of playing at a higher level.
It will be interesting to see the side that trots out against Connacht.
This is what Costelloe has called "an unbelievable test" but Munster’s pride should see them through.
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