THREE WINS FROM four for the Irish provinces as the league season starts to take shape. Here are the highlights from RaboDirect Pro12 gameweek four:
Leinster 34 — 20 Cardiff Blues
Brian O’Driscoll was in inspired form for the league champions as he set up Sean Cronin’s opener and was at the heart of some scintillating attacks. The try-scoring bonus point was secured with six minutes on the clock as Ian Madigan dived over.
Ulster 32 — 13 Benetton Treviso
A second win of the season for Mark Anscombe’s men as the passes stuck and chances were finished off to the power of five. Returning Lions Rory Best and Tommy Bowe touched down but Mike Allen impressed most with a two-try outing.
Connacht 26 — 43 Ospreys
The 2012 league champions opened up Connacht early and often as they ran in six tries. Dan Biggar scored 18 points, including a try, and followed Ron O’Gara into the Pro12 record books as the second player to score more than 1,000 league points. Connacht’s try-scoring responses came from Kieran Marmion and Danie Poolman.
Munster 23 — 9 Newport Gwent Dragons
Tries in each half from James Cronin and Peter O’Mahony got Munster back on track after their loss to Treviso in Italy last week. Just over 6,200 Munster fans were at Musgrave Park to cheer Munster on and they were in fine voice when Paul O’Connell came off the bench for his first appearance of the season.
Warriors streak on
In the other Pro12 games, Scarlets had Jonathan Davies to thank for a 22 — 9 win over Edinburgh while Glasgow Warriors made if four straight wins as they beat Zebre 24 — 17 in Italy.
All highlights courtesy of RaboDirect PRO12
