The 2nd Row

With only one Irish game to look at this week we delve into the URC awards and look at how demanding it is or isn't to get into the Champions Cup before getting into Leinsters win

Connachts season has ended as they go down swinging over in Glasgow, Munsters QF in SA ends in disappointment as Bulls overpower them, while Leinster are through to the semis after a training match vs Lions

A tough few days in Irish rugby as both Ulster and Leinster are outclassed by French opposition, Ulster get pulverized by Montpellier and Leinster get ravaged by Bordeaux. We look at all of that and ahead to the URC knock out matches

Connacht get the job done in Edinburgh 5 points and a spot in the top 8. Ireland route Scotland to crown off a great occasion in Dublin, Ulster concede again in the last 10 to cost them that last 8 spot Munster get the job done vs the Lions and Leinster solidify top 2

Connacht keep their top 8 hopes alive with a convincing win over Munster to bring the fight for top 8 down to the last weekend, Ulster drew with Stormers but will be counting the cost. Leinster make odd work of Lions but 5 points keeps them in the top 2 hunt. Ireland beat Wales in Belfast but really it's Aoife Wafers world and we are all living in it

Leinster and Ulster have both made it through to their respective European finals, 2 nervy performances at times but the win gets them both a step closer to Silverware

The URC race for the top 8 is coming to a head 9 teams in contention only 8 can make the knock outs we break down who should have hope and who should believe

It was a rough weekend for most Irish rugby fans Connacht lose a physical encounter in South Africa. Leinster lose in Italy. Ireland start strong but get beaten in France while Munster are left counting the injuries after an interpro win over Ulster

Connacht are on their South African tour and picked up a huge win vs the Stormers, the cobwebs were blown away in Galway by Ireland as they have an impressive win over Italy. Leinster and Ulster battle it out in Belfast and Leinster come away with all 5 points on offer and Munster do the same away in Benetton as they win comfortably on the road

Connachts Euro dream comes grinding to a halt as Montpellier maul them out of the challenge Cup. Irelands 6 nations starts slow with a loss against England while Ulster and Leinster put up high scores as they both put up big socre as they ease through to the Champions and Challenge cup semifinals

Connachts defence has created a base for another impressive victory, Ulster survive an Ospreys surge, Leinster take pat in the oddest game of rugby I have seen while Munster are out of Europe with some real questions to be asked

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