We're halfway through the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup regular season and it's time to check up on the health of the provinces as they enjoy a week off.
LEINSTER
Where are they?
Leinster are top of the URC standings after round nine. Leo Cullen's men have lost two games so far, those being the opening match away to Glasgow when they travelled without any of Ireland’s World Cup squad, and last Monday’s home loss to Ulster.
Bolstered by the impact of new senior coach Jacques Nienaber, they also top Pool 4 of the Champions Cup after a famous win at La Rochelle, and a home victory over Sale.
Standout performers: Tommy O’Brien impressed prior to his injury, while Joe McCarthy (above) recent form has been a big plus for Leinster, and Ireland. Ciarán Frawley showed he can be relied on on the big stage.
Squad watch: Compared to the rest of the provinces, Leinster are able to report a relatively clean bill of health. Charlie Ngatai (calf), Cormac Foley (shoulder), Ross Byrne (arm) and Jamie Osborne (shoulder) are currently sidelined.
By the numbers - Top of the URC charts in metres: 3298.
What’s next? Rounds three and four take in an Aviva Stadium clash with Stade Francais (nought from two) and a trip to Leicester.
MUNSTER
Where are they?
The reigning champions sit tenth in the URC table with four wins, four defeats and a draw to their name. Graham Rowntree’s squad has been decimated by injuries. Their last win came at the start of December at home to Glasgow.
With just three points, two from a draw with Bayonne and one from defeat to Exeter, Munster are in fifth in Pool 3, six points behind leaders Northampton.
Standout performers: Tom Ahern (above), after moving to the back row, has stood out, while Edwin Edogbo, now on the long-term injury list, has impressed. On his rare appearances, Simon Zebo has turned back the clock.
Squad watch: The two-time European champions have an unprecedented injury list to contend with and may have to go looking for emergency medical cover. Niall Scannell (groin), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Eoghan Clarke (undisclosed), Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Roman Salanoa (knee), Oli Jager (head), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles tendon), Cian Hurley (ankle/Achilles), Jean Kleyn (eye), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder), Fineen Wycherley (shoulder), Peter O’Mahony (shoulder), Jack Daly (ankle), Jack O’Donoghue (knee), Joey Carbery (wrist), Alex Nankevill (ankle), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Liam Coombes (shoulder) and Mike Haley (hip) are unavailable, with Kilcoyne out for the season and Edogbo facing surgery.
By the numbers – Top of scrums won in URC: 64
What’s next? Munster are off to Stade Felix Mayol next Saturday to face bottom of the pool Toulon (nought from two). They host Saints in round four.
CONNACHT
Where are they?
It’s been a mixed bag for Connacht and after winning three of their four opening matches, had to wait until New Year’s Day for their next victory. The 22-9 success over Munster ended a five-game losing streak. They are in ninth place one point behind Ospreys in the URC.
Two of those five recent losses came in Champions Cup Pool 1 to Bordeaux-Begles and Saracens; they are bottom of the pile with just one point.
Standout performers: It’s no surprise that Bundee Aki, since returning from international duty has continued his superb World Cup form, while Cian Prendergast (above), Cathal Forde and Diarmuid Kilgallen have also impressed.
Squad watch: Injury updates on Mack Hansen, Sean Jansen and Sean O'Brien are expected on Monday, while the following players are rehabbing longer term issues: Paul Boyle (face), Santiago Cordero (knee), Diarmuid Kilgallen (hamstring), Oisin McCormack (groin), Tiernan O’Halloran (foot), Colm Reilly (foot).
By the numbers – Connacht top the URC lineout steals: 18
What’s next? Pete Wilkins’ men face an away trip to Lyon (one win and one loss so far) before welcoming Bristol and old coach Pat Lam to the Sportsground in round four.
ULSTER
Where are they?
After getting the New Year off to a great start with a rare win over Leinster at the RDS, Ulster are up to fourth in the table, three points off Glasgow. They’ve won six and lost three matches in the URC.
Dan McFarland’s men opened up in Pool 2 with a disappointing loss away to Bath but hit back in a fine bonus-point win over Racing 92. They are third in the table.
Standout performers: Dave McCann, prior to his injury, stood out as a back row enforcer, while Nick Timoney (above) is the current form player. Jacob Stockdale is getting back to his old self and John Cooney has been the difference in a couple of recent wins.
Squad watch: Callum Reid (lower back), James McCormick (shoulder), David McCann (ankle), Reuben Crothers (knee), Angus Curtis (concussion), James Hume (foot), Ben Carson (illness), Ethan McIlroy (illness), Ben Moxham (knee) and Stewart Moore (muscle injury) were all unavailable prior to the win over Leinster.
By the numbers – Ulster are top tacklers in the Championship: 1638
What's next? Ulster host Toulouse (two wins from two) in Belfast next Saturday night before a round-four clash away to Harlequins.
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