URC WEEK 1 REVIEW
Ulster vs Dragons: 42-21
In the battle of the improved teams, both sides at least showed signs of growth, but it was clear who had the higher ceiling to push. The Dragons simply lack the same winning nous of the men from Northern Ireland, as they were outmatched in most areas of the field despite making them work for it in the early stages of the game.
An incredibly lucky Aaron Wainwright try put the visitors in front, but it was soon followed up by one of Ulster’s trademark mauls that gave Cormac Izuchukwu the hosts’ first score. From there, they traded blows fairly well for 30 minutes, as the Dragons’ poor scrum has notably improved under Wyn Jones and Robert Hunt, but it wouldn’t last forever; three tries just before half time pushed Ulster into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the rest of the game.
Does this mean Dragons are fated to repeat the mistakes of last season? I wouldn’t call that so soon; they still looked a much better side than their slow and sad games last year, Ulster were simply much better and nearer to their past dominance over the league, barring some awkward passes. But overall, the men from Gwent will still need to work on their discipline and defence if they want to climb up the leaderboard
Notable Players: Aaron Wainwright was great around the park even excluding his lucky early try, as he made consistent offensive gains for the side. Shane Lewis-Hughes continues his form as one of the more underrated forwards in Welsh rugby, and Rhodri Williams’ and Angus O’Brien’s decision making helped test Ulster’s defence
Score: I’d say about 6.5/10. The Dragons were generally outplayed, lacking consistency and discipline, but as Tiatia alluded to in his post-match interview, there is something to build on; last season’s Dragons would’ve been routed much harder.
Bulls vs Ospreys: 53-40
A solid all-around performance given the cards were firmly stacked against the Ospreys here. The first half was actually a mostly even contest, as the Ospreys controlled the breakdown and were able to move the ball wide for Keelan Giles to score and for Keiran Williams to add on some more points from the Bulls’ weakened defence. But the second half was the difference maker; the visitors simply couldn’t match the bench impact of the hosts as their depth was tested against one of the URCs most physical teams.
For a player who wouldn’t normally make the side’s starting XV, Deaves was excellent, bringing his trademark workrate on both sides of the ball, with 18 tackles and two try assists. His sheer determination actually cost him, as he was penalised 4 times, but he certainly had an impact on the Ospreys’ chances. Rhys Davies and Dewi Lake were also great in defence, the latter especially with 2 turnovers despite generally being outmatched by Grobelaar. This all led to the Ospreys leading for most of the first half, but it quickly unravelled as the hosts gained a 20 point lead in decisive fashion.
While notably improved compared to past away games in Pretoria, the Ospreys will need to tidy up discipline and avoid the same defensive and lineout issues that gave the Bulls too much possession and leaked points. They were largely overpowered in the scrum, losing 2 on their own put-in, and while these are to be expected from the hosts, with a game against the Stormers next on the agenda, they will almost certainly target the same areas if the Ospreys don’t improve.
Notable Players: Harri Deaves, as mentioned earlier, brought an exceptional workrate and should make the starting XV in Jac Morgan’s absence. Dan Kasende made a similar effort on both sides of the ball, though his opposing winger Giles racked up more points. Morgan Morse has also built on his work from last season with a commanding starting performance.
Score: Feels harsh given their opposition, but 7.5/10. They’ll need to tidy up on their defence, but once they do, this Ospreys side look well-poised to push for playoffs, especially when they return to Wales and bring back more of their usual starters.
Scarlets vs Munster: 21-34
A very slow start cost the Scarlets, who simply couldn’t get into the game against a Munster side which outplayed them in the scrum and under the high ball. The hosts really missed Marnus and Lousi as they were overpowered by Munster’s defence and physicality, unable to generate anything from Blair Murray’s clean breaks and Sam Costelow’s otherwise solid kicking tactics.
That said, the second half was a lot better, as they traded blows with Munster much more consistently. Ellis Mee capitalised on a great opportunity following Murray’s initial try after the break, but the Scarlets’ best player was definitely Taine Plumtree, with a great intercept to score the hosts’ third and final try. With their efforts, they scored the same number of points as the opposition in the second half, but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
The Scarlets just didn;t have the same dynamism that carried them to playoffs last season, but hopefully they regain that momentum sooner rather than later. Defensively, Munster suffocated them and countered most of their kicks, while they in turn simply lacked answers to Munster’s own wide ball as players like Abrahams and Nankivell set up tries. With an away game to Connacht next on the schedule, it looks to be a tough first few weeks for the Scarlets.
Notable Players: Taine Plumtree was the region’s best performer as he carried his way through opposing defenders, scoring a well-deserved try after reading Munster’s attack. Sam Costelow struggled defensively, but he and Gareth Davies made some great kicks that pressured Munster’s backs and made a great break for Murray’s try. Barring one missed throw, Harry Thomas also looked solid at the lineout for the region’s third choice and made a great defensive effort.
Score: Hard to call, I’ll say 7/10. The first half was poor, but in the second half they weren’t far off one of the league’s most complete teams, and there were plenty of bright sparks to work off of when closer matchups come around. Once they gel, they could have another great season.
Cardiff vs Lions: 33-20
The only region to score a win in week 1, and yet, there remain some concerns for the capital side. Still, not a lot takes away from a bonus point win to start the season, and a very strong performance by several key players, some returning and some new, will give them confidence going into a new season without the architect that is Matt Sherratt.
The main takeaway at the 80 minute mark for me was wondering why Alun Lawrence was MotM; not because he didn’t deserve it, but because there were so many candidates that it was easy to miss his typical dominant carries. Cam Winnett and Callum Sheedy brilliantly controlled the host’s momentum in a game where they desperately needed it, while Taine Basham and Alex Mann were a constant frustration at the breakdown.
That said, the disciplinary issues cannot continue if they are to make the playoffs. While rust can excuse some of it, the fact of the matter is that they let the Lions back into the contest after what was otherwise a clear-cut victory. With Ben Thomas’ red card on top of that, things could’ve easily slipped away from them. A great recovery, but they can’t afford to be in that position against any of the stronger teams.
Notable Players: Alex Mann was great on both sides of the ball, putting his name back into the Wales conversation for the Autumn. Jacob Beetham was great off the bench in an unfamiliar position, especially when he was out for so long with injury, so he’s poised to take a lot of pressure off Winnett this season. Javan Sebastian was a notable improvement in the scrum from Kieron Assiratti, and his high-energy loose contributions should keep him in the starting jersey.
Score: A nice 8/10. Discipline holds them back from a higher spot, but given they were going up against a side that survives off of opposing defensive errors, they held their own very well.
Team of the Week:
- Wyn Jones
- Evan Lloyd
- Javan Sebastian
- Rhys Davies
- Shane Lewis-Hughes
- Alex Mann
- Harri Deaves
- Taine Plumtree
- Johan Mulder
- Callum Sheedy
- Keelan Giles
- Kieran Williams
- Harri Millard
- Dan Kasende
- Cam Winnett
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