THE NEW RABODIRECT Pro12 season kicked off on Friday night, but with hope springing eternal in the build-up to a fleet of international football, rugby got pushed to the back-burner for broadcasters.
Munster were the only one of our four provinces to have a televised game, but if you had something better to do on a wintry September Saturday evening, then we’ve got highlights of that and the rest of the games below.
Scarlets 19 – 42 Leinster
The reigning champions were first out of the blocks, though they took some time to get going against the opponent who thrashed them on opening night last season.
The full report of another impressive Jimmy Gopperth outing is here. And here are the highlights.
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Dragons 15 – 8 Ulster
Mark Anscombe was fuming after losing to last season’s second worst side.
A 6 – 8 lead after Roger Wilson crashed over in the first half was as good as it got for the beaten finalists of last year. From there, Jason Tovey happily picked off the scores with Ulster unable to play in attacking areas or keep on the good side of the referee.
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Connacht 25 – 16 Zebre
Three tries on Pat Lam’s competitive debut wasn’t an altogether perfect way to start, though Nathan White may well disagree – always great to see a big man on the gallop.
Connacht blew hot and cold: hot when Fionn Carr and Matt Healy combined and when Jake Heenan was introduced; cold, for the opening 20 minutes of each half.
They began thinking of a bonus point in the final five minutes, but it was Zebre who ended the game with a score. A win, however, still alludes the competition’s newest club – can they cause a shock and take it against Munster next time out?
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Munster 34 – 23 Edinburgh
A bonus point and five tries for Munster in Cork without ever really getting out of third gear. It’s certainly a decent omen for the upcoming Heineken Cup meetings with the Scottish side.
Watch out for Ronan O’Mahony’s deft/fortunate flick into the palms of James Coughlan after Johne Murphy cleverly makes the most of an advantage.
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And the rest…
Glasgow 22 – 15 Cardiff Blues
A dour enough kicking contest was settled by a brilliant breakaway try from Tommy Seymour in the 68th minute. The Warriors will take all four points to Ravenhill in round two while the Blues will hope to inflict a first defeat upon Pat Lam and Connacht.
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Treviso 19 – 24 Ospreys
The 2012 champions were made to work for the full 80 minutes to take a win in north Italy. Dan Biggar’s drop-goal and an excellent leap from wing Ben John the brightest sparks in this one.
Ospreys will know another step up is needed when they head to the RDS this weekend.
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