Irish provinces secured two wins across four matches during the second round of the United Rugby Championship, recovering from an opening weekend where all four teams suffered defeats for the first time since 2009. Connacht and Munster claimed victories, while Leinster picked up a bonus point in a loss and Ulster secured a draw on the road.
Connacht Breaks Drought in Treviso
Connacht welcomed back six of their seven summer tour players during a 22-19 bonus-point victory against Benetton at Stadio Monigo, marking the westerners’ first win at the venue since April 2022. Billy Bohan and Sam Illo locked the scrum as Benetton pushed for a two-score lead entering the final ten minutes before Ciarán Frawley scored his second try on his debut for the province.
“It’s a huge result, to get five points away from home in Treviso,” Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster said. Lancaster noted that despite a degree of rustiness from players combining for the first time, Frawley managed the game well at fly-half. He added that Frawley’s impact at 15 was a “great change up” and that Sam Gilbert moved to 13. Lancaster said the debutant’s performance was a “huge bonus” that “allows me to mix and match with Josh Ioane.” Lancaster will now look toward next Friday’s fixture away against Glasgow.
Munster defeated the Bulls 26-22 at Thomond Park in front of 10,318 spectators, propelled by a two-try, player-of-the-match full debut from 20-year-old academy out-half Charlie O’Shea. O’Shea used skills developed through his GAA background with Erin’s Own in Glanmire, including a precise crossfield kick to Diarmuid Kilgallen and aerial instincts to contest high balls. O’Shea also capitalized on a charge-down for his first try and powered over near the corner for his second score.
The appearance came as Munster dealt with a shortage of outhalves, with Tom Wood and Jack Crowley facing lengthy recoveries from injury. O’Shea, who joined the academy last summer, had previously made a brief appearance from the bench against Glasgow. Rather than just managing the game, O’Shea influenced it from the start and appeared comfortable directing the attack. He played alongside captain Craig Casey, who described them as the “smallest halfback partnership in the world.” Former Ireland international Ian Madigan called the performance the “game of O’Shea’s life.”
“It was just unbelievable,” O’Shea said after the match. “I probably got lucky there with one of the tries but the fans were great.” The victory provides vital breathing space for Munster during a turbulent period following criticism from Peter O’Mahony and the resignation of chief executive Ian Flanagan, alongside reports linking Keith Wood with an interim role. Munster travels to face Ulster in Belfast next Saturday.
Ulster draws with Glasgow before hosting Munster
Ulster shared 10 tries in a 33-all draw away against Glasgow ahead of their upcoming home fixture against Munster. Leinster will return to home soil to face Cardiff next Saturday for their first competitive fixture at the redeveloped Laya Arena in more than two years, where they expect the return of several frontline Ireland internationals.
Charlie O'Shea shines on Munster debut against the Bulls
How did Charlie O’Shea perform on his Munster debut?
The 20-year-old academy out-half scored two tries, created another, and won the player-of-the-match award during Munster’s 26-22 win over the Bulls at Thomond Park.
When did Connacht last win at Stadio Monigo before this match?
Connacht’s 22-19 victory in Treviso was their first win at the venue since April 2022.
Where is Leinster playing their next match?
Leinster hosts Cardiff next Saturday for their first competitive fixture at the redeveloped Laya Arena in more than two years.
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