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URC team of the week: Irish prominent after clean sweep

Updated / Tuesday, 18 Apr 2023 07:04
RG Snyman makes the team of the week
RG Snyman makes the team of the week

The Irish sides all recorded wins in the penultimate round of the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Ulster got the ball rolling with a 40-19 win over Dragons that has gone a long way to securing a home semi-final if they win the quarter. Leinster came away from their meeting with the Lions with an unlikely 39-36 victory, while Munster backed up their pre-match talk with an incredible 26-24 success over the Stormers.

Connacht wrapped things up with a 38-19 win over Cardiff and in doing so booked a play-off place.

Here's our team of the week.

15. Chris Cosgrave (Leinster)

On just his sixth appearance for the province, the full-back was instrumental in their comeback win over the Lions. His late try put them within striking distance and the final score came off the back of his incredible 50:22.

14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh)

Scored a brace as the Scottish outfit claimed a big win over Ospreys. He beat four defenders on his way to the line for his first and was named player of the match.

13. Ruhan Nel (Stormers)

The strong-running centre scored two tries in the Stormers loss to Munster, his first a powerful finish as he held off three red defenders. Ran a superb support line for their bonus-point try as well.

12. Bundee Aki (Connacht)

Passed an early head injury assessment before playing a huge part in a vital win for Connacht as they secured a play-off place. Was a brilliant link in midfield and a constant nuisance to the Cardiff attack.

11. Mack Hansen (Connacht)

The Ireland wing was his usual effervescent self, constantly looking for work off his wing. Took a lovely line off Bundee Aki for his try and was always a threat with ball in hand.

10. Sam Prendergast (Leinster)

Named as the URC player of the round on his senior debut, the young out-half starred as an inexperienced Leinster pulled off an impressive win against the Lions. Kicked four conversions and two penalties. Amazing potential.

9. Caolin Blade (Connacht)

Along with Jack Carty at out-half, controlled the tempo of the game with his delivery and well-chosen kicks. Did brilliantly to set up Connacht's third try and was dogged in defence too.

1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster)

The Ireland loosehead played 74 minutes in testing conditions against a powerful Stormers scrum and his work-rate was crucial to the victory.

2. Tom Stewart (Ulster)

The hooker became the tournament's all-time top try-scorer with yet another hat-trick, his second in a row. Now has 16 tries to his name and another two games at least to improve on that. Edges out Munster’s Diarmuid Barron for the 2 shirt.

3. Jeff Toomaga-Allen (Ulster)

Called upon after just five minutes after Tom O’Toole was injured, the Kiwi put in an incredible shift as the Ulster pack dominated the set-piece.

4. RG Snyman (Munster)

Back on home soil, the South African showed what he is capable of with a big performance in what was a must-win game for Munster. His lineout steals and offloads were crucial in a narrow victory.

5. Niall Murray (Connacht)

Dominated the lineout as Connacht scored six tries in their final home game of the season. Can also take credit for disrupting the Cardiff throw when they were in the danger zone. Huge shift.

6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster)

The Munster skipper stood up when he was needed and we expect nothing less at this stage. Was named man of the match as Stormers lost their 17-month unbeaten run at home.

7. Conor Oliver (Connacht)

Really industrious performance by the flanker who capped it with a try after good work by Caolin Blade. Seem to be at the thick of the action on both sides of the ball

8. Gavin Coombes (Munster)

A prominent member of the Munster pack who had the measure of the Stormers. Nabbed the bonus-point try, which turned out to be the winning of the game.

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