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United Rugby Championship team of the week: Irish provinces impress

Updated / Monday, 10 Oct 2022 14:16
Johnny Sexton shone on his first start of the season
Johnny Sexton shone on his first start of the season

There were big wins for Connacht, Leinster and Ulster in round four of the BKT United Rugby Championship as the South Africans' winning run against European opponents came to a halt.

Leinster won a high-scoring thriller against the Cell C Sharks at the RDS while Ulster ran in seven tries against an understrength Ospreys.

On Friday night, Connacht came from behind to register their first win of the season as they downed Munster on the new all-weather surface at the Sportsground.

There were also impressive victories for Benetton and the Emirates Lions, who return to South Africa after three successive away victories.

15. Michael Lowry (Ulster)

Lowry was a box of tricks against the Ospreys, his lightening footwork leaving defenders flailing as Ulster returned to winning ways.

The 24-year-old was twice forced to swap positions in the second half as Ulster’s injuries began to mount but looked equally comfortable at outside centre and out-half as they powered to a seven-try victory.

14. Garry Ringrose (Leinster)

Ringrose showcased his versatility with a superb two-try performance off the bench against the Sharks.

He crossed for a brace in 10 first-half minutes after replacing the injured Jordan Larmour, the first of which was a stunning solo score through traffic.

Those in attendance at the RDS were treated to an epic contest and Ringrose certainly contributed, making five clean breaks and beating seven defenders.

13. Luke Marshall (Ulster)

After his wretched luck with injuries, the performances of Marshall during the opening four rounds will have brought a smile to the face of even the most hardened Irish rugby fan.

The centre crossed for a first-half double as the Ospreys were outgunned in Belfast. He charged through a gap to open the scoring inside two minutes while a well-timed jackal presented Ulster with a five-metre lineout from which John Andrew scored.

Marshall was excellent in defence and attack and ran a great line off John Cooney to score his third try of the season before half-time. He switched to inside centre for the second half and a lovely step bamboozled two Ospreys defenders as Ulster broke the 40-point barrier for the second time in three games.

12. David Hawkshaw (Connacht)

Hawkshaw produced an excellent all-round performance as Connacht downed Munster in Galway.

The 23-year-old thrived as a second playmaker outside Jack Carty but also showed nice variety, with some big carries getting Connacht over the gainline, one of which led to the opening try for Mack Hansen.

11. Thaakir Abrahams (Cell C Sharks)

Abrahams edges out Mack Hansen for a place on the wing after scoring a try of the season contender against Leinster.

While his first try was an easy run-in after Rohan Janse van Rensburg’s break, his second was a thing of beauty. The 22-year-old caught a box-kick in traffic and seared past three Leinster players before chipping in behind and beating Ringrose for pace to touch down.

10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster)

Sexton ran the show on his first start of the season, scoring a try and kicking six conversions for a 19-point haul against the Sharks.

The Ireland captain ignited a rampant Leinster backline, which included a lovely delayed pass in the lead-up to Garry Ringrose’s brilliant first try.

Sexton voiced his disapproval to referee Craig Evans a tad too often but it was an excellent overall display from the Leinster skipper, who has hit the ground running on his return.

9. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors)

Horne responded impressively after an early error led to the Bulls’ opening try at Scotstoun, finishing with 15 points which included a brilliant solo try.

The scrum-half sniped from a ruck on halfway and raced downfield, withstanding six attempted tackles before stretching out to score.

Horse also kicked five conversions in a morale-boosting win for Franco Smith’s side.

1. Ivan Nemer (Benetton)

Benetton cut loose against the Dragons to move up to fourth in the URC table and their scrum helped lay the platform.

Nemer was pivotal as Benetton won three scrum penalties during the first half and he popped up with a big turnover on half-time to ensure the Dragons went back to the sheds scoreless.

2. Dave Heffernan (Connacht)

Dan Sheehan could easily have been included for the third successive week but we’re going with his Ireland team-mate Heffernan after he helped Connacht snap their three-game losing streak.

The hooker’s lineout darts were on the money while he also topped the charts for tackles (11) and successful carries (5).

3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht)

Connacht boss Andy Friend described Bealham as "sensational" following his man-of-the-match performance against Munster.

The tighthead won two scrum penalties against fellow Ireland international Dave Kilcoyne early on, which propelled Connacht into the opposition 22 and led to their opening try.

Bealham excelled in all facets, from his ball carrying to breakdown work, and was rewarded with Connacht’s second try off a driving maul.

4. Gavin Thornbury (Connacht)

Thornbury enjoyed one of his best performances in a Connacht shirt as he helped negate Munster’s threat from the lineout.

The lock enjoyed a great tussle with Tadhg Beirne in the air and made a couple of steals at crucial moments.

As well as forming part of a strong Connacht set-piece, Thornbury worked hard in the loose with some big carries and tackles.

5. Sam Carter (Ulster)

Ulster replaced one international with another against the Ospreys as Carter came in for Kieran Treadwell and the Wallaby justified his selection with a try in each half.

Carter twice drove over from close range in the one-sided win and it was well deserved after an impressive display in the tight and at lineout time.

6. Nick Timoney (Ulster)

All eyes were on the returning Duane Vermeulen ahead of kick-off on Saturday but it was Timoney who dazzled in the Ulster back row.

The Ireland forward made 11 successful carries and shone at the breakdown.

Timoney had a try ruled out by the TMO but moments later was central to Sam Carter’s first try after linking up well with Stuart McCloskey.

7. Ruan Venter (Emirates Lions)

The Lions have been the surprise package in this season’s URC and they edged Edinburgh in the final leg of their UK tour to make it three wins from three on the road.

Central to their victory in the Scottish capital was 19-year-old flanker Venter, who made a team-leading 15 tackles, including a dominant hit on Hamish Watson that sent the British and Irish Lion flying two metres behind the gainline.

8. Francke Horn (Emirates Lions)

The outstanding No 8 produced big carries, defensive hits and, crucially, leadership as the Lions claimed a comeback victory against Edinburgh.

Horn blasted through a gap for the game-levelling try with 16 minutes remaining, putting the cap on a man-of-the-match display.

Watch Connacht v Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra and follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app

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