The fixutures list for the 2005 Autumn Internationals have been announced and Ireland will face both Australia and New Zealand this Autumn. Eddie O’Sullivan’s men will first face off against New Zealand, then a week later they’ll face Australia. The series will finish with an easier proposition, Romania.
A thumping seven try victory over fourth placed Newport-Gwent Dragons saw Leinster close to within four points of Munster in the Celtic League. An almost full strength Leinster side, took on The Dragons who were devoid of eight of their starting line-up due to International duty with Wales.
Munster’s chances of claiming the Celtic League title took a huge knock this evening when they lost by 32 points to 17 against Llanelli.
Munster went into this evening in second place 5 points behind the Ospreys but the Ospreys play later this evening and could stretch their lead to 10 points by the end of this evening.
Connacht ended their recent run of poor form with an important win over the Borders last night at Netherdale. Connacht are now back in pole position for the playoff European Cup place thanks to Edinburgh who beat their rivals for that position, Cardiff Blues.
Leinster will have all their Irish Internationals available for their match against The Dragons on Saturday at Lansdowne Road. In contrast The Dragons will be missing their Welsh internationals for the clash. Leinster will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to The Borders last weekend and a win would put some distance between themselves and The Dragons who are one place below them in fourth in the League.
Munster have named a strong side including their Internationals for the trip to face Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday. The match will be the last attempt for some of the players to impress Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan ahead of the Six Nations opener on Sunday week.
Eddie O’Sullivan today announced a 25 man Ireland squad for the Six Nations opener against Italy next Sunday week. Of the 25 man squad only wing-forwards Johnny O’Connor and Denis Leamy are uncapped in the Championship.
Connacht have named a squad of 22 for this Friday’s clash with Borders in Netherdale. Matt Lacey will miss the game with a leg injury, while James Downey (Collarbone) is on the long-term injured list. Peter Bracken and Brendan O’Connor come into the squad.
Munster will have to travel to play the winners of Stade Francais and Newcastle should they manage to progress to the semi-final of the Heineken Cup. Leinster however have recieved a home semi-final draw, with the winner of their match scheduled to play the winners of Toulouse and Northampton.
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