It is also a new ‘record’ for the Ulstermen –
this is the first time they have won all four games away in Wales. And with
those four wins come eighteen vital points in the PRO12 race, one which is
moving very much in Ulster’s favour. With that latest win, they push nine
points clear at the top of the table.
But even so, it wasn’t completely convincing
on Sunday…
Rain
in Wales? Never!
Yes, the weather played its part. Big style.
Handling errors were at the fore and the conditions under foot were absolutely
terrible. It descended into a battle at the breakdown and Ulster just about did
enough to see off their opposition.
Not that the Scarlets did much though. They
were just as bad as Ulster were – and then a degree worse. The number of
handling errors they made combined with their weak scrum were what eventually
lost them the game.
But Ulster kept them in the game by not
driving home their advantage. In the first half they had most of the
possession, and certainly the lion’s share of territory, yet only went in at
half-time ten points to the good. It would have actually only been three if not
for Andrew Trimble’s intercept try.
Speaking of the Coleraine winger, the game
was touted as being the ‘battle’ between him and Craig Gilroy for the starting
berth against Northampton. However, it never really transpired to be that after
Gilroy came off at half-time. Take from that what you will, but it seems likely
that Mark Anscombe will stick with the status quo and go with Tommy Bowe and
Trimble for Friday’s game.
Instead, step up Callum Black at tight-head
prop. Despite Tom Court being released from Ireland duty early, Black retained
his starting place and sent out a statement of intent to Anscombe – he wants to
start for Ulster. And he couldn’t have sent out a better statement at that. His
scrummaging was dynamic, shoving the Scarlets’ Springbok loose-head Jacobie
Adriaanse back every single time. Even just to emphasise what an impact the
American had, when he came off, Ulster’s dominant scrum faltered.
If that hasn’t caught Anscombe’s eye, I don’t
know what will. The American-born English-raised Irish-qualified prop could
well start on Friday.
Elsewhere in the team there were plenty of
other excellent stand out performers that put their hands up for Heineken Cup
selection. After having a torrid time in Milan against Treviso, Rob Herring
found his form once again with some great work on the ground along with some
solid line-out throws. Similar to Black, whenever he came off, the line-outs
faltered, but that may be down to the ‘rustiness’ of Rory Best who was only
back from injury on Sunday.
Paul Marshall once again had a good game at
scrum-half, although it seems very unlikely he will displace Ruan Pienaar for
such a crucial game. Luke Marshall showed his incredible potential at inside
centre in yet another consistent performance, and there are calls for him to
start ahead of Paddy Wallace.
But back to the match, and even though it was
a victory for Ulster, it will feel like a defeat to them. With the team they
had available to them, the result wasn’t what everybody expected (although the
weather probably had something to do with that). Letting their league rivals
away with what seemed to be an undeserved losing bonus point will be something
that will annoy them too.
The team performance wasn’t what Mark Anscombe
was expecting either. It was a very lethargic performance, dominated by up-n-unders
and forward drives. In a match where Ulster possessed an exciting backline,
they never got a chance to impress, because they never got meaningful ball. Anscombe
himself said afterwards that, “Nothing we
did tonight will cause Northampton to fear.”
He’s got that spot on. Ulster have a lot to
work on in the three days they have before they travel to England, or they will
return to Belfast with their unbeaten run in tatters. That is something that
every Ulster fan will not want.
A win’s a win though. Ulster are now ten from
ten in the league, twelve from twelve in all competitions and are looking
comfortable with a nine point lead in the PRO12. However, their last three
performances would suggest that their lead isn’t as comfortable as it seems.
But is unbeaten at Christmas a possibility?
You bet.
Just
a drop of Heineken
Rounds 3 and 4 of rugby’s greatest
competition return this weekend, and there’s just enough room to give a very
quick prelude to what we can see on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
After the main event on Friday (!) there is one
match that catches the eye of every rugby fan – a repeat of last season’s
semi-final between Clermont Auvergne and Leinster. It should be a cracking game
in Montferrand, and it’s impossible to tell which way it will go.
Meanwhile, back in Ireland, Munster take on
the mighty Saracens who are in impeccable form. It’s hard to see past an away
win for this match considering Munster’s lack of form, but it should still be a
good game.
And finally, there is a mouthwatering clash
in southern France on Saturday when the rugby giants Toulouse host PRO12
champions the Ospreys. Toulouse are also in great form in the Top14, but
England’s win over the All Blacks last Sunday would prove that the form book
can count for nothing in many cases.
Roll on the weekend!
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