LEINSTER MOVED UP to second in the Guinness Pro12 with a narrow win over provincial rivals Ulster at the RDS this evening. Here are three talking points from the derby.
Result over performance for Leinster
The end justifies the means and while the home side were guilty of spurning several gilt-edged scoring opportunities and, at times, lacked fluidity in attack, they ultimately returned to winning ways this evening.
In his post-match press conference, Leo Cullen admitted tonight was all about the result and his side did just enough to come away from the first inter-pro of the Pro12 weekend with an invaluable victory – which temporarily moves them up to second.
You could tell the head coach was more relieved than satisfied with the outcome and admitted he was disappointed with many aspects of his side’s performance but they were well worth their 8-3 win.
Leinster will, however, need to up their game considerably next weekend when they travel to Glasgow for a tough assignment.
Sexton struggling for form
There’s something not quite right with Jonathan Sexton. He has yet to find his feet in a blue jersey and tonight was another disappointing showing from the out-half. In open play, he was heavily involved, as you would expect, and featured in some of Leinster’s most encouraging moments.
But there appears to be a lack of confidence from the tee. His first effort was relatively straightforward yet he took his time in composing himself. That’s not uncommon but it was far from convincing and his attempt at converting Sean Cronin’s try was indicative of his troubles.
The Ireland international snatched it at as it started left and stayed very much left. The audible groans from the crowd, even on the far side, spoke volumes. From hand, it wasn’t any better.
In the second-half, there was an attempted kick in behind which only found Craig Gilroy.
He eventually hobbled off in the 67th minute to be replaced by Noel Reid with Ian Madigan switching to out-half. The pair had interchanged in the first receiver throughout the game and with Cullen yesterday admitting nobody is guaranteed their place, Sexton might be looking over his shoulder.
Ulster need a Kiss of life
For the travelling Ulster fans, there wasn’t much to shout about at the RDS. Their side weren’t really in the contest and when they had to force the issue in the second-half, they failed to muster any sort of impetus in attack.
A succession of unforced errors undermined their effort and Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, spoke afterwards about his side’s lack of width. On occasion, they looked to spread it wide but were unable to breach a wall of blue shirts.
Usually so solid in defence, the northern province were cut open far too easily and found themselves on the back foot for the majority of the game. After tonight’s result, they slide down to eight in the standings and are in desperate need of something to spark their season into life.
