Sunday Snippets

Leinster edge arm wrestle: Irish outfit Leinster narrowly overcame Aviva Premiership side Harlequins at the Aviva Staidum last night, leaving both sides level at the summit of Pool 2. Despite struggling for any real potency in attack and making a staggering amount of errors, Matt O’Connor’s Leinster found themselves 11 point to the good at the interval, primarily due to Tim Swiel’s inaccuracy from the tee and an Isaac Boss five pointer in the corner. However, Conor O’Shea’s Quins were a far different animal in the second forty, as they began to stage a genuine comeback of their own, courtesy of some attacking flair and brute physicality in the tight exchanges. Despite Mike Brown having a try chalked off for a knock on at the preceding breakdown, Quins actually got themselves infront coming into the final ten miinutes. However, an infringement at the ruck from highly impressive hooker Dave Ward, handed Ian Madigan a simple shot at goal. Three points to Leinster and a one point advantage they failed to relinquish in the closing exchanges.

Cockerill downed in France: Richard Cockerill’s Leicester Tigers were dealt an almighty blow to their chances and hopes of qualification yesterday, as they went down 23-6 to Toulon at Stade Felix Mayol. In what Toulon have made a fortress, Cockerill’s Leicester were on the back foot from the initial instances, as they succumbed to a 17 point deficit a little over a quarter of the way through. Granted the Premiership side made a fight back of their own, with Blaine Scully going over, but beyond the opening 0 minutes, the game never really got going, with Toulon dominating and happy to just get themselves the four points. With Leicester due to take on Ulster at Ravenhill on the final day, the loss at Mayol may prove the final nail in the coffin.

Ryan Sheady