Connacht’s draw today against Glasgow was the only result that spared the Irish provinces two weekends in a row entirely made up of defeats. With Leinster and Munster both losing last night, it was the turn of Connacht and Ulster today.
Munster tonight suffered their second defeat in a row despite the addition of former All Black Christian Cullen to the side. Munster never really got going in the game and eventually lost by 18 points to 15.
Edinburgh were made to work very hard for their victory tonight at Murrayfield. At half-time they led by 27 points to 6 making it look like the victory was in the bag, but Leinster helped by a 100% Felipe Contepomi kicking record managed to make the second half a thrilling half with the the Scots barely holding on to win by 40 points to 34.
Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has called up Ulster lock, Gary Longwell into the Ireland squad for their next match against England in just over a week. Longwell comes inot the squad in place of the injured Donnacha O’Callagan.
Ulster coach Alan Solomons has decided to take a leaf out of the Connacht playbook by deciding to rotate some of his players for this weekend’s Celtic League action.
Munster coach Alan Gaffney has confirmed what many thought, that Christian Cullen, one of the most successful All Black’s of all time, will make his debut for Munster on Friday night in the Celtic League. Cullen comes into the side at his preferred position of full-back.
Former All-Black star looks set to return from injury and make his Munster debut against Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Musgrave Park on Friday night. Munster coach Alan Gaffney has said that Christian Cullen will be on the squad for Friday’s match but has remained tightlipped about whether Cullen will start or simply be on the bench.
Despite Connacht’s loss last weekend to Cardiff, Connacht Coach Michael Bradley has decided to continue their policy of rotation, which has served them successfully for most of the season. Bradley has made eight changes to his side for their match against Glasgow on Saturday in Galway.
Following Ireland’s victory against Wales at the weekend, comes the cost. Ireland second row Donnacha O’Callaghan will miss Ireland’s next Six Nations match against England due to knee ligament damage he picked up during the match. Ireland will be pleased however than Gordon D’Arcy is expected to be fit, despite being unable to finish the match due to a back injury.
Ireland impressively saw off the challenge of a supposedly resurgent Welsh team in Dublin today. Ireland racked up 36 points in the first 55 minutes of the game, 55 points that could only be answered to with a Welsh penalty. Ireland seemed to take their foot off the gas in the last 25 minutes allowing Wales to score two tries, leaving the final score 36 points to 15.