Last Saturday was a hugely disappointing day for Irish rugby with both Leinster and Munster being knocked out of the URC semi-finals.
Leinster's three-year silverware drought continues after their 25-20 loss to the Bulls in Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. A cagey first half saw the sides scoreless until the 23rd minute. Leinster taking the lead through a James Lowe try. Johan Goosen brought the sides level minutes later with a great try before giving the Bulls the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Leinster were left chasing the game from the start of the second half with Petersen making up for his first half mistakes. The winger would go on to score the winner, breaking Leinster hearts and knocking them out of the URC semi-finals for the second year running.
The reigning champions left much to be desired in their clash with the Glasgow Warriors. After a tight opening 40 minutes, a Kyle Steyn try created the separation between the sides, with Glasgow leading 7-3 at half time.
Sebastian Cancelliere stretched Glasgows lead to 11 point into the 50th minute pushing the win further out of Munsters grasp. Frisch managed to claw back a score to put Munster within four points, with 30mins to go. But ill-discipline would prove to be Munster's down fall, and when Alex Nankivell saw red for a careless clear out, it was curtains for Munster. It finished 17-10 win for the Warriors.
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Jackman reflects on trophyless club season for Irish provinces
Despite winning the Six Nations earlier this year, the Irish clubs have not live up to their potential this season.
On paper both Munster and Leinster were the stronger sides going into last weekend's fixtures, with Leinster fielding fifteen Irish internationals in their starting team alone.
Speaking on Against the Head, Bernard Jackman highlighted the expectations of the provincial teams off the back of the international success.
I think we're static.
This is a step back for Irish rugby provincially.
We can't just be happy to say everyone else is getting better, if we are ahead we need to stay ahead.
To be honest Glasgow's budget would be inferior to Munster's, the Bulls compared to Leinster’s, it's not in the same ballpark. something is a bit amiss.
💬 "I think we're static"
Bernard Jackman reflects on the season that was for the Irish provinces in the wake of Leinster and Munster's #URC semi-final defeats on Against The Head pic.twitter.com/8zHly3KgSB— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 18, 2024
Jackman cited the unusual 13-month season an explanation for how leggy both Irish sides looked on Saturday, which is very plausible.
As our attention now turns to the tour of South Africa, Andy Farrell will have to rebuild his players confidence if they are to succeed against the current world champions on their home turf.
