FROM CHRIS FARRELL’S big comeback to Leinster’s big win without most of their big names, Ireland’s four provinces swept their way to victories in the Pro14 this weekend, leaving them looking in rude health for the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup back-to-backs ahead.
Munster 44 Edinburgh 14
Munster will be last in European action this weekend, with Castres coming to Limerick for Sunday lunch, but they were first out of the traps last Friday and showed red-hot form while Conor Murray and Farrell made their first starts of the season.
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The powerful centre scored two of Munster’s eight tries against Richard Cockerill’s side in Cork, while a Keith Earls hat-trick and Tyler Bleyendaal touchdown made for a celebratory mood in Cork.
Ulster 16 Cardiff Blues 12
Dan McFarland’s men will take on familiar foes in the Scarlets over the next two weekends and battling to a win over Welsh opposition wasn’t a bad way to ramp up for that challenge.
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Kieran Treadwell’s deft pick-up after Stuart McCloskey’s quick-tap made all the difference for the northern province.
Cheetahs 17 Connacht 21
Connacht players celebrate the final whistle in Bloemfontein. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
Andy Friend’s men rounded off a successful trip to South Africa with an immensely impressive attacking display at altitude to defeat the Cheetahs.
Tom Farrell’s big break set the tone for the Westerners in South Africa and they held firm when facing the home side’s late rally.
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The western province have the least taxing schedule over the next fortnight. Top14 strugglers Perpignan are on the radar with both clubs most likely focusing their primary resources on their league campaigns.