URC - Irish Provinces - Team of Week 1

[Ruckedtobits]

Given that all Provinces will have varied schedules, except for Interpro series, I'm going to select an Irish Team of the Week throughout the League season

15. Shane Daly
14. Calvin Nash
13. Luke Marshall
12. Stuart McCloskey
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Billy Burns
9. Nathan Doak
1. Ed Byrne
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Marty Moore
4. Alan O'Connor
5. JJ Jenkins
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. John Hodnett
8. David McCann

Ulster-heavy reflecting the results and relative dominance of their fixtures. No Connacht representatives although Peter Dooley, John Porch & Kiaran Marmion all produced big efforts. Jenkins is the only new signing to make the teamsheet and Leinster will have been satisfied with his efforts & effect. Very impressed with Shane Daly's defensive efforts against a star-studded Cardiff attack.

[riocard911]

I'd say Tom Stewart came close to getting that hooker place on the list ahead of our own RK. The new Ulster number two had an excellent game vs the Westies for which he got MOTM.

[Ruckedtobits]

Slow to get to watch Connacht, hence the delay in the Week 2 Irish Provinces Selection

A quick reminder of the games:
Fri 23rd Sept: Leinster42 Bennetton Treviso 10

Sat 24th Sept: Scarlets 39 Ulster 55;
Stormers 38 Connacht 15

Sun 25th Sept: Dragons 23 Munster 17

15. Michael Lowry
14. Jimmy O'Brien
13. Gary Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Ciaran Frawley
9. John Cooney
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Cian Healy
4. Ross Molony
5. Alan O'Connor
6. Ryan Baird
7. Josh Van der Flyer
8. Nick Timoney

Given the results and relative performances, this was a two-team selection with Leinster dominating.

[Laighin Break]

What did Healy do in his 27 minutes to warrant inclusion?
According to Leinster's website's stats, he made 2m from 3 carries, 0 tackles and conceded 1 (scrum) penalty. I also recall him losing the ball once in contact

[Ruckedtobits]

What did Healy do in his 27 minutes to warrant inclusion?
According to Leinster's website's stats, he made 2m from 3 carries, 0 tackles and conceded 1 (scrum) penalty. I also recall him losing the ball once in contact

Survived 27 mins at THP against a decent opponent on a weekend when Marty Moore was replaced early, Finlay Bealham had a very uncomfortable outing, Stephen Archer had one of his worst "penalty" days, albeit he scored a try.

It wasn't a great weekend to wear 3 or 18 on your back.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

I thought TOT played very well for Ulster.

[Dave Cahill]

I thought TOT played very well for Ulster.

For his try, he gave a lovely little tip on pass then picked up and drove over from the ensuing ruck.

[Ruckedtobits]

Games

Ulster v Leinster Friday 30th Sept 13-20
Bulls v Connacht Pretoria Sat 1st Oct 28-14
Munster v Zebre Cork, Sat 1st Oct 21-5

15. Jimmy O'Brien
14. Jordan Larmour
13. Gary Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Mack Hansen
10. Ross Byrne
9. John Cooney

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tom O'Toole
4. Jason Jenkins
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Ryan Baird
8. Nick Timoney

A little bit of licence used in back-row selection but I felt that the three named players gave excellent performances in different roles for their teams. Josh Van der Flyer was again superb but Baird had a bigger impact on the game.

Connacht disappointing to date but they're not far away. Ulster need a big win for their confidence. Munster still a way off their traditional standards. Leinster haven't fired on all cylinders yet.

[Laighin Break]

POM actually wore 7 at the weekend so there wasn't any need for the bit licence!