TRENDING NEWS
Back to news
23 Mar, 2025
Share:
Leinster suffer first defeat, Connacht's fightback falls short, and UIster escape Wales with win
@Source: thejournal.ie
Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories United Rugby Championship Leinster suffer first defeat, Connacht's fightback falls short, and UIster escape Wales with win Ulster were the only Irish province who picked up a victory in the URC this weekend, and they left it late against bottom side Dragons. 8.25pm, 22 Mar 2025 Share options Leinster 20 The Bulls celebrate their last-play scrum penalty which led to David Kriel's winning kick against Leinster.Steve Haag Sports / Christiaan Kotze/INPHO Steve Haag Sports / Christiaan Kotze/INPHO / Christiaan Kotze/INPHO A MONSTER SCRUM after the final hooter ended Leinster’s unbeaten run in this year’s United Rugby Championship, allowing David Kriel to line up an 84th-minute penalty to give the Vodacom Bulls a dramatic 21-20 victory at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night. The scrum, when Leinster simply had to get the ball in and out, and put it over the sideline, was a massive moment that changed the game, just minutes after forgotten man Ross Byrne looked to have given his side a famous first victory in the Pretoria altitude with a 43-metre penalty. In a game that was nowhere near the contest it was billed to be, it was Leinster’s impressive defence that dismantled the Bulls attack, while impressive performances from the likes of Will Connors, Jordie Barrett and hometown boy RG Snyman made the Bulls look ordinary in their own fortress. Considering Leinster were missing so many players after the Six Nations, coach Leo Cullen will be disappointed but not dismayed as they almost conquered the Highveld curse that cost them last year in the semi-final. Connacht 40 Double try-scorer Daniel Kasende is tackled by Caolin Blade.Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO Connacht almost staged the fightback of the season as they had the Ospreys on the ropes in the 86th minute going for the win having at one stage trailed by 24 points. Advertisement The men in green had no right to be in the conversation after conceding five tries and falling behind 38-14 with only four minutes of the second half gone, yet by the end they were the dominant force having matched their hosts try for try in a 12-try extravaganza. The upshot of it all was the Ospreys moved up from 13th to seventh in the race for a play-off place and Connacht, despite picking up two points, dropped to 12th. It was a remarkable evening’s entertainment. It went right down to the wire in the end with Connacht twice getting the chance to kick deep into the home 22 from penalties for a final shot at glory. Finally, in the 86th minute, a loose ball at a Connacht breakdown allowed Adam Beard, of all people, to pick up the loose ball and kick it off the field to claim victory for the Ospreys. Match-winner Scott Wilson with his Player of the Match award.Mike Jones / INPHO Mike Jones / INPHO / INPHO Ulster stung the Dragons with a late salvo to come from behind and claim a 34-30 victory at Rodney Parade. In doing so, it was the first time Ulster had claimed back-to-back wins since October. The win will boost the side’s hopes of reaching the play-offs in what is a wide-open race for a knockout berth. Ulster began the day just three points off the play-off places so a win will do their chances no harm at all. The way in which they fought back in the second half will also provide head coach Richie Murphy plenty to enthuse over. Scott Wilson was the late hero for Ulster, his converted try giving them a one-point advantage which was consolidated by a further penalty by John Cooney. For full match reports, reaction and analysis, as well as a review podcast on Monday, check out The 42′s award-winning sports coverage. View 6 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Leinster suffer first defeat, Connacht's fightback falls short, and UIster escape Wales with win”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Leinster suffer first defeat, Connacht's fightback falls short, and UIster escape Wales with win”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion United Rugby Championship News in 60 seconds shannon lng From loss-making to lobbying: What we know about the company behind Kerry's planned gas plant 24 mins ago have we dosed yet? Parenting: Buckle up, this is going to get itchy... we're talking threadworms Here's What Happened Today: Saturday Plasterer off his medication was 'unhinged' in violent Dublin shop raids, court hears Micheal Shine TDs echo calls for a public inquiry into the state's handling of abuse by Micheal Shine the vatican Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital tomorrow after five weeks Oleg Gordievsky, one of Britain's most important Cold War spies, has died aged 86 Heathrow closure: Limited flights resume this evening as fire thought to be 'non-suspicious' Late Late Show 'I'm used as a punchline': Rosie O'Donnell says she moved to Ireland because Trump 'out to get' her Man (50s) hospitalised after attack by XL Bully dog in Co Dublin Two men seriously injured after shooting and violent disorder incidents in Tullamore more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
For advertisement: 510-931-9107
Copyright © 2025 Usfijitimes. All Rights Reserved.