JACK THE GLAD

Munster's run continues as Leinster debutants shine

- FOLEY-URC

NAMECHECK Jack O'Donoghue, Paul Boyle, Robert Balcoune, the remarkable tally of half-a-dozen debutants for champions Leinster from the URC weekend.

But, whatever about talent, don't diss Rabah Slimani's remarkable tighthead lockdown.

As it stands, Munster were 17-5 winners over Connacht at Thomond Park. Although it was a deserved win while not hitting the heights of last week, it still needed some fire brigade as they trailed 12-15 at half-time.

Thus the tussle hinged on the only second-half score. Man of the Match Alex Nankivell put O'Donoghue in for an unconverted try in the 67th minute - part of another eye-catching game from the Waterford-born 31 year-old.

O'Donohue was capped twice, against Canada 2016 and Japan a year later. And while he recently suggested international rugby has now by-passed him there is little doubt that, five games into 2025/26, Clayton McMillan has brought magic beans the back-row is thriving on.

There was also interest in Stuart Lancaster selecting Paul Boyle for a first game in the No7 shirt - he had never started a professional game there before.

It raises the knock-on suggestion there had been a conversation with Andy Farrell about the lack of coverage higher up for Josh van der Flier.