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Top 10 Irish Sporting Moments of the 21st Century: A Poll Review

Ireland, a nation deeply passionate about sports, has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments that have ignited national pride and stirred emotions.

Recent polls have highlighted the top ten Irish sporting moments of the 21st century, spotlighting achievements that have not only showcased athletic prowess but also brought the nation together in celebration. Here, we delve into these iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on Ireland’s sporting history.

With the increasing popularity of sports across Ireland, sports betting comparators have become an essential tool for fans looking to engage more deeply with their favorite games. Websites like STRAFE provide enthusiasts with valuable insights and comparisons on betting odds and platforms, allowing them to make informed decisions. By utilizing such resources, fans can explore various betting options related to iconic sporting moments in Ireland, even placing bets on potential future events that could make history. This intersection of sports fandom and betting has enriched the overall experience, bringing an additional layer of excitement to witnessing and participating in Ireland’s sporting achievements.

1. Ireland’s First Victory Over the All Blacks (2016)

Arguably the pinnacle of Irish sporting achievements, Ireland’s historic victory over the mighty All Blacks in 2016 tops the list. This landmark triumph ended a 111-year wait for a win against New Zealand, showcasing Ireland’s rugby talent on a global stage. The victory in Chicago was more than just a game; it was a testament to perseverance and skill, fostering a sense of national pride and unity among the Irish people.

2. Katie Taylor’s Olympic Gold in Boxing (2012)

Katie Taylor’s gold medal victory at the 2012 London Olympics stands as a monumental moment in Irish sports. Her success not only elevated women’s boxing but also inspired a generation of young athletes, particularly women, to pursue sports. Taylor’s triumph was celebrated across Ireland, marking her as a national hero and a symbol of determination and excellence.

3. Irish Rugby’s Six Nations Grand Slam Win (2018)

The 2018 Six Nations Championship was a spectacular showcase of Irish rugby, culminating in a Grand Slam victory. Under the leadership of coach Joe Schmidt, Ireland dominated the tournament, defeating England on St. Patrick’s Day to secure the Grand Slam. This achievement reinforced Ireland’s status as a rugby powerhouse and brought immense joy and pride to the nation.

4. Irish Women’s Football Team Qualifying for the 2023 World Cup

The Irish women’s football team made history by qualifying for the 2023 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone for women’s sports in Ireland. This achievement was not just about football; it underscored the growing prominence and success of women athletes in Ireland, inspiring young girls to dream big and pursue their passions.

5. Katie Taylor’s Fifth World Championship Gold (2014)

Katie Taylor’s career is studded with remarkable achievements, and her fifth World Championship gold in 2014 is a testament to her enduring excellence. Taylor’s consistency and dominance in the boxing ring have made her a household name in Ireland, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the nation’s history.

6. Ireland’s 2009 Rugby Six Nations Grand Slam Win

The 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam was a momentous occasion for Irish rugby. Ending a 61-year wait for a Grand Slam, Ireland’s victory was a masterclass in teamwork and resilience. This win not only brought joy to rugby fans but also boosted the morale of the entire country, uniting people in celebration of a shared national success.

7. Conor McGregor’s Dual UFC Titles (2016)

Conor McGregor’s rise in the UFC has been nothing short of meteoric, with his 2016 achievement of holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously marking a historic moment in mixed martial arts. McGregor’s charisma and fighting prowess have captivated audiences worldwide, and his success has brought global attention to Irish combat sports.

8. Ireland Reaching the Last 16 of the 2002 Football World Cup

Ireland’s performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the last 16, remains a cherished memory for football fans. The team’s spirited performances and resilience captured the hearts of the Irish public, creating a wave of national pride and excitement that transcended the sport itself.

9. The Dublin Gaelic Football Team’s Six Consecutive Championships (2020)

The Dublin Gaelic football team’s achievement of winning six consecutive All-Ireland Senior Football Championships by 2020 stands as an extraordinary feat in Gaelic games. This unprecedented run of success has etched Dublin into the annals of Irish sports history, highlighting the team’s dominance and the rich tradition of Gaelic football in Ireland.

10. Rachael Blackmore’s Grand National Victory (2021)

Rachael Blackmore made headlines worldwide by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021. Her victory was not only a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking achievement for women in horse racing. Blackmore’s success challenged stereotypes and inspired many, marking a new era for inclusivity in the sport.

These ten moments, celebrated through recent polls, reflect the spirit and passion of Irish sports. Each event has contributed to the fabric of Ireland’s sporting identity, inspiring countless individuals and uniting communities across the nation. As these achievements continue to resonate, they serve as reminders of the power of sports to uplift and bring people together, fostering a sense of pride that endures beyond the final whistle.

Legends of the Track: Exploring Athletics Ireland’s Hall of Fame

The world of athletics is rich with stories of perseverance, triumph, and indomitable spirit.

These tales are immortalized in halls of fame across the globe, where exceptional athletes are celebrated for their contributions. Athletics Ireland’s Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the prowess of Irish athletes who have not only excelled on the track but have also inspired generations. Among the recent inductees are two legends whose careers have left an indelible mark on the sport: Catherina McKiernan and Mark Carroll.

While the exceptional athletes celebrated in Athletics Ireland’s Hall of Fame are renowned for their achievements, their legendary status also opens up avenues for discussions and analyses within the sports betting community. Sites like www.betting.co.uk provide comprehensive sports betting comparators that allow enthusiasts to explore various betting options linked to athletics events. By examining the performance histories and career milestones of athletes like Catherina McKiernan and Mark Carroll, bettors can gain invaluable insights into potential outcomes of future competitions. Such platforms facilitate informed betting decisions, offering odds and predictions that take into consideration the statistics and legacies of these Hall of Fame inductees. This connection exemplifies the intersection between athletics recognition and the strategic world of sports betting.

Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence

Catherina McKiernan, hailing from County Cavan, began her journey in athletics with a modest start. Her first major success came in 1988 when she won the Irish schools cross country title. This victory was a harbinger of her illustrious career in cross country running. Over the next few years, McKiernan’s talent blossomed as she consistently performed at the top level, winning silver medals at the World Cross Country Championships for four consecutive years from 1992 to 1995. Her crowning achievement in cross country came in 1994 when she clinched gold at the inaugural European Cross Country Championships in Alnwick, England.

Mark Carroll’s journey began in Knocknaheeney, County Cork, where he was nurtured under the guidance of Brother John Dooley at the North Monastery. Carroll’s talent was evident early on as he captured the European Junior Men’s 5,000m title in 1991. His dedication and discipline set the stage for a career that would see him become one of Ireland’s most celebrated middle-distance runners. Carroll’s breakthrough on the international scene came in 1998 when he won bronze in the 5,000m at the European Championships in Budapest.

Major Achievements and Records

McKiernan’s transition from cross country to marathon was seamless and spectacular. In 1997, she made history by setting the fastest debut marathon time ever by a woman at the time, winning the Berlin Marathon in 2:23:44, a new Irish record. The following year, she claimed victory at the London Marathon and broke her own Irish record at the Amsterdam Marathon with a time of 2:22:23, a record that still stands atop the Irish all-time list. McKiernan also represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996, further cementing her legacy as one of the foremost figures in women’s distance running.

Carroll’s career was marked by a series of notable victories and records. In 1999, he set an Irish national record in the 3,000m with a time of 7:30.36 in Monaco, a record that remains unbroken. His triumph at the 2000 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Ghent, where he won gold in the 3,000m, was a highlight of his career. Carroll also won the prestigious Wanamaker Mile in 2000, demonstrating his versatility and competitive spirit. Beyond the track, Carroll contributed significantly to athletics as a coach, shaping the next generation of athletes.

Contributions and Legacy

Catherina McKiernan’s impact extends beyond her record-breaking performances. Her philosophy of running and life has inspired countless athletes to focus on the joy and purity of the sport. McKiernan’s approach emphasized mental fortitude and the importance of staying in the moment, lessons that resonate with athletes across disciplines. Her achievements have brought pride to Ireland and set a benchmark for future generations of Irish runners.

Mark Carroll, on the other hand, has played a pivotal role in athletics through his coaching career. As an assistant coach at Auburn University, Carroll has guided numerous athletes to success, emphasizing both academic and athletic excellence. His leadership has seen Auburn athletes achieve remarkable feats, including multiple All-American honors and SEC titles. Carroll’s influence as a coach ensures that his legacy will persist, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence and integrity in athletics.

The induction of Catherina McKiernan and Mark Carroll into Athletics Ireland’s Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their stellar careers and significant contributions to the sport. Both athletes have exemplified the spirit of perseverance and excellence, leaving a legacy that inspires future generations. As we celebrate their achievements, we are reminded of the power of sport to transcend boundaries and unite people in shared admiration for human potential. Their stories are not just chapters in the history of Irish athletics but are integral to the fabric of global sports, highlighting the universal values of dedication, resilience, and grace.

Saleh and Rodgers Give NY Jets Reaction to 17-23 Loss

Minnesota Vikings beat New York Jets 23-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh spoke of his disappointment following his side’s 17-23 loss to the Minnesota Viking’s on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s early.  We’re five games in,” Saleh pointed out. “Obviously we’d like it to be a lot better, but it’s early and we’ve got a long way to go.

The Jets Head Coach gave credit to his successful opponents, who held on narrowing in the end for victory:

“Credit Minnesota. They do a lot of different things. The interception, obviously, that was returned for a touchdown kind of made it obviously a lot worse, but felt like from that point on, I felt like our offense kind of got its feet underneath it and started moving the ball pretty well. But obviously putting ourselves in that hole wasn’t good enough.

“Fourth-and-one. I feel like we’ve got to be able to get those. We weren’t moving the ball very well. We were down there trying to be aggressive and see if we can go get seven.”

New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was asked how he deals with a loss like today’s.

“I mean, they all hurt,” the Quarterback acknowledged. “Just got to be, you know, honest with your performance every single week and hold yourself to a standard. Obviously that was below my standard. I just found out I’ve never thrown two picks in the first quarter before; so that’s a first. One of them cost, obviously, seven [points], and the other, you know, could have cost three [points]. So in a game where you lose by six, plays like that are exponentially highlighted. So three turnovers for me is definitely out of character and I’m disappointed.”

Discussing how he felt physically, Rodgers stated:

“I’m definitely banged up. Got my foot caught on a pile there. But just seems to be a low ankle sprain. Again, they were trying to get me in the tent, and then we had a roughing the kicker, I said screw it, I’m going back out there.”

Minnesota Vikings’ Reaction to London Win

Action from the Jets versus Vikings game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Following their 23-17 victory over the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media.

“Absolutely a gritty win by our team,” said the Vikings Head Coach. “So many moments in that game, so many things we talked about going into this football game that materialized. Especially got to give it up for our defence, Flo [Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores] and those guys. We needed them today. It was not good enough to our standard on offense, and moments like this are where we lean into a lot of things that our organization is built off of. Adversity, dealing with adversity together, no flinch, all three sides figuring out a way to come together and win a football game.

“What I told our team is there’s going to be days like this, and when there’s days like this, good football teams find a way to pick each other up against a future Hall of Fame quarterback [Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers] in tough circumstances.

“Kind of a sloppy day all the way around with a little spitting rain and all those things. A thousand excuses out there. Our team didn’t look for any of them. We kept playing, Will Reichard was phenomenal for us. When we needed three, he got it. And like I said, our defence, just lights out from the standpoint of picking up our team when we needed them.”

Commenting on his side’s London trip, O’Connell stated:

“It’s been a phenomenal trip. Want to thank everybody that took care of us at our hotel, the NFL, putting on a great trip for us, and obviously all the folks with the Vikings that plan this thing year-round. There’s a lot of people that their names can’t be mentioned right now, but I wanted to personally thank all of them for helping make this trip go.

“We’ll go into our bye, get healthy at a couple spots and hopefully come out with the momentum that a 5-0 team should. Tons of challenges out in front of this and I can’t wait to attack them with my guys.

“Just injury updates on a couple guys. Aaron Jones did have a right hip and not return. He’ll be evaluated. I’ll keep you guys posted from the standpoint of what that looks like, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that that hopefully will be short-term. And then Akayleb Evans did have a left hip flexor and did not return.”

Minnesota Vikings Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel told the assembled media:

“It’s a great feeling, obviously, when you can make a play like that, it can change the game. It’s exciting, and I’m just glad I caught the ball and the rest is history. Once I got out of that first tackle, I started running, I saw Harrison Smith had a huge block, and if he doesn’t make that block, I don’t think I score. It’s a shout out to him and shout out to all the guys behind, just block the skill players so they couldn’t catch me.”

Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold, whose side now goes 5-0 for the season, said of this afternoon’s game:

“I think obviously a win is a win. I think our defence, our special teams played out of their minds today, and I think as an offense, I think we’ve just got to find a way to continue to play consistent football. The pre-snap penalties, the communication just has to continue to get better, but as a whole, I feel like we were able to make plays when we needed to, but we’ve just got to continue to get better that way.

“I think for us, we have a lot of good things clicking right now as a team, but it’s early. We know it’s a long season, and we just — again, like I said, kind of in the beginning, we’ve just got to continue to take it one step at a time, and if you get caught up in what people are saying about you and you’re this or you’re that. We weren’t listening to anything that people were saying before the season, so why would we start now. I think for us, it’s kind of have that mindset.”

NY Jets 17 Minnesota Vikings 23 in NFL London Game

Over 61,000 NFL fans descended on London on Sunday afternoon for the Jets v Vikings game. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Jets, 23-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and improved to 5-0 for the first time since 2016.

Since 2019, eight of the nine NFL regular-season games played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been decided by one score (eight points or fewer).

The opening quarter saw the game favourites, Minnesota Vikings, take an early lead through Reichard. The kicker slotted over a 54-yard field goal, to give his side, the designated home team, a three nil advantage.

Just as the Jets seemed to be gaining territorially, linebacker Van Ginkel intercepted for the Minnesota franchise, and returned 63 yards to touchdown for the game’s opening five-pointer.

Along with his three sacks this season and an interception-return for a touchdown in Week 1, Van Ginkel becomes the first player in NFL history with at least three sacks and two interception-return touchdowns in his team’s first five games of a season.

With Reichard again successful with his extra-point effort, his side had a 10-0 lead at the end of quarter one.

Vikings’ Ham rushed over from 2 yards with 3.50 to play before the half-time break, and with Reichard again adding the extra point, Kevin O’Connell’s side extended their lead to 17-0.

Jets finally score

The Jets finally got on the scoreboard on the cusp of the interval when Lazard caught for a 14-yard score. Zuerlein successfully kicked the point to leave the score 7-17 in favour of the Vikings at the break.

Zuerlein’s 32-yard field goal attempt before the end of the third quarter narrowed the gap to just seven points, in a game for so long seemed to be edging away from the Jets.

Reichard continued in his rich vein of kicking form when scoring a 53-yard field with 12.07 remaining in the final quarter.

With a little over six minutes remaining in the game, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ short pass was complete to Wilson who went in from one yard to increase the anxiety in the Vikings’ camp. Zuerlein’s extra point was good, creating a three-point game.

With 3.07 to play Reichard’s 41-yard field goal attempt ended any hope the NY Jets and their many fans in London had of taking a shock victory, as the Minnesota Vikings held out for a  23-17 London success and are now 4-0 in regular-season international games, the most wins without a loss among all teams in international games.

On what was a bad day at the office for losing New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, he passed for 244 yards and has 60,148 career regular-season passing yards, becoming the ninth player with at least 60,000 regular-season passing yards in NFL history.

Jets v Vikings in first London NFL game of 2024-25 season

The Jets and the Vikings meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Sunday sees the first of this season’s London NFL games with the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings meeting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While the NFL game in Brazil in week one was a first for that country, London has been a regular host of NFL game for a long time now.

Twickenham, Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have all hosted NFL games in recent years, the latter having staged eight games since 2019.

Interestingly, seven of those games were decided by eight points or less.

This afternoon the New York Jets, who have started their season 2-2 face the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings (4-0).

This will be the Vikings’ fourth London game, and they are currently unbeaten on their London visits to date. The Jets on the other hand have a 2-1 record in London, but are 0-1 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They join Kansas City (3-0), New York Giants (3-0) and Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) who have achieved multiple wins in international games and are unbeaten outside of the USA.

The Vikings, the only undefeated team remaining in the NFC are 4-0 for the first time since 2016.

If they win this afternoon’s game, they will be 5-0 for the first time since 2000.

In regular season clashes between the Jets and Vikings, the New York side lead the series 8-4, but Minnesota have won the last three games between the sides.

The last time the teams met in the regular season was in 2022, when the Vikings ran out 27-22 victors.

The game is free to air in Ireland on Virgin Media Two, with the broadcast starting at 2pm.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm.

51 regular-season NFL games played outside US since 2005

The New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars meet in the final NFL game in London this season. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Fifty-one NFL games have been played outside of the United States since 2005.

England, Canada, Mexico, Germany and Brazil have hosted games, with 35 of the 51 having been played in England.

Three English stadia have held NFL games: Twickenham, Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Wembley has hosted more international NFL games than any other stadium, with 25, well ahead of the next highest, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with eight.

The NFL has visited the Rogers Centre in Toronto on six occasions, while the Estadio Azteca has hosted five NFL matches.

Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt and the Allianz Arena in Cologne have each held a regular season NFL game, while Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was the newest venue added to list when hosting Philadelphia and Green Bay in week one of this season.

One of today’s teams, Minnesota Vikings, have a 3-0 record in international games, as have Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants.

Though Jacksonville Jaguars have played more international NFL games than any other franchise, with 11, their record is poor, with just six wins and five losses.

Six teams are still awaiting their first international victory: the Bengals, Commanders, Browns, Packers, Steelers and Titans.

Nest weekend, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be the venue for Jacksonville Jaguars v Chicago Bears, while the third and final London 2024 game will see New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars clash at Wembley on 20 October.

Mikey Pender and HHS Calais win €300,000 five-star Longines Grand Prix

Mikey Pender and HHS Calais win in Barcelona.

Irish showjumper Mikey Pender achieved one the biggest wins of his career to date when taking the €300,000 five-star Longines Grand Prix in Barcelona on Friday night.

The event, part of the League Of Nations Final, saw the 25-year-old Kildare rider partner the Irish Sport Horse HHS Calais – bred by the late Ita Brennan – to victory.

From a starting list of 43 combinations, which included all three individual Olympic  medallists from Paris, only 12 combinations made it through to the second round jump-off.

Swede Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Zuccero Hv had set what looked like an unbeatable time of 51.64 seconds in the jump-off.

With the Irish combination last to compete in the final round, Pender and HHS Calais left all the poles in place to stop the timers almost a second faster than Bengtsson and Zuccero, in a time of 50.88 seconds, to take the victory.

Spaniard Armando Trapote with Tornado Vs, who had held pole position earlier in the final round, completed the podium with a third place finish.

Pender’s Barcelona victory comes on the back of his recent gold medal at the Young Horse World Championships in Belgium, while Pender and HHS Calais (ISH) jumped double clear  in the five-star BMO Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows, Canada, to help Ireland achieve a runner-up finish early last month.

Rugby betting previews – Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster

The teams for this weekend’s Round 3 fixtures of the BKT United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below.
TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#SCAvCON
Sam Lousi and Ioan Nicholas return from injury for Scarlets
Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde make up Connacht centre pairing
#CARvGLA
Harri Millard is named in Cardiff Rugby starting XV
Patrick Schickerling in line to make his Glasgow Warriors debut if called upon from the bench
#LIOvEDI
Edwill van der Merwe returns from injury and is named in Emirates Lions starting XV
Edinburgh Rugby name a new halfback pairing with Ben Healy and Ben Vellacott
#BULvULS
Johan Grobbelaar and David Kriel will make their 50th appearance for the Vodacom Bulls
Ulster academy lock Charlie Irvine to make his debut, alongside two starts for Ben Carson and James McCormick
#BENvLEI
Tommaso Menoncello and Malakai Fekitoa named as Benetton centre pairing
RG Snyman is set to make his Leinster debut after joining from Munster over the summer
#DRAvSHA
Dan Lydiate named at number eight for Dragons RFC
Two sets of brothers named in Hollywoodbets Sharks starting XV. At scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse joins his brother Jordan named at fullback, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel both playing in the back row
#MUNvOSP
Munster make eight changes to the side that faced Zebre Parma last weekend with captain Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley and Peter O’Mahony making their first appearances of the season
Steffan Thomas gets his first competitive start for the Ospreys at loosehead
#ZEBvSTO
Danilo Fischetti to captain Zebre Parma
Louw Nel in line for DHL Stormers debut if called upon from the bench

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Scarlets v Connacht
Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 23rd league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Ben Connor (WRU)
TMO: Christopher Allison (SARU)
Live on: BBC Wales, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Eddie James, Blair Murray, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Josh Macleod (CAPT), Dan Davis, Taine Plumtree
Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Efan Jones, Ioan Lloyd, Macs Page

Connacht: Santiago Cordero, Mack Hansen, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Piers O’Conor, Jack Carty, Ben Murphy, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, David O’Connor, Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, Cian Prendergast (CAPT)
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Temi Lasisi, Oisin Dowling, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, Shayne Bolton

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “We know Connacht’s DNA is to play with good structure, good shape and with ball in hand. They have power up front and are difficult to break down. It was an entertaining game in Galway last season and I’m expecting the same between two highly competitive sides. We’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins said: “Llanelli is always tough place to go for visiting teams, so whilst respecting the Scarlets’ strengths we must make every effort to impose our game and take our opportunities when they arise. In Bundee and Jack we have two senior players coming into the starting lineup with a wealth of experience and quality. It says a lot about the strength of the squad this year that we’re able to bring in players of that calibre. We will need to perform at our best to get a result and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Cardiff Rugby v Glasgow Warriors
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Morne Ferreira (SARU, 11th league game)
AR 1: Rhys Jones (WRU) AR 2: Gareth Newman (WRU)
TMO: Griffon Colby (SARU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Mason Grady, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Harri Millard; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies, Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher (CAPT), Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Ed Byrne, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornton, Mackenzie Martin, Ellis Bevan, Tinus de Beer, Gabriel Hamer-Webb

Glasgow Warriors: Josh McKay, Kyle Rowe, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (CAPT), Facundo Cordero, Tom Jordan, Jamie Dobie; Rory Sutherland, Johnny Matthews, Sam Talakai, Alex Samuel, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Matt Fagerson, Jack Dempsey
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Jamie Bhatti, Patrick Schickerling, Max Williamson, Richie Gray, Euan Ferrie, Ben Afshar, Duncan Weir

Cardiff Rugby Head Coach Matt Sherratt said: “We were pleased with our performance against the Scarlets and I think we set a good foundation. Our collisions were a lot better, we were stronger defensively and there was a real intent. It was a performance more like Cardiff but as I have previously said it’s going to take a bit of time and hopefully we can make improvements week on week. It’s going to be another step up this weekend. Glasgow have always been a very good team. The biggest compliment I can probably pay them is that they’ve got a real clear identity. That’s a massive compliment to Franco and his coaching staff because their players are very clear on their DNA, their very clear on their game plan. So we know what to expect and it’s about meeting that challenge. We are expecting another big crowd at the Arms Park and we have had some great nights under the lights in recent years.”

Glasgow Warriors Head Coach Franco Smith said: “We were pleased to record our first win of the season last weekend, but we know that there are still plenty of areas in which we can improve. Cardiff have recruited well during the summer and have started the season strongly, a start they will be keen to continue in front of their home support. We also look forward to seeing Patrick pull on the Glasgow jersey for the first time this weekend – he has quickly bought into our environment and has trained well to earn his opportunity.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

Emirates Lions v Edinburgh Rugby
Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.45 IRE & UK / 13.45 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 39th league game)
AR 1: Henru van Rooyen (SARU) AR 2: Stephan Geldenhuys (SARU)
TMO: Keith David (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Rabz Maxwane, Erich Cronje, Rynhardt Jonker, Edwill van der Merwe, Kade Wolhuter, Morne van den Berg, Juan Schoeman, PJ Botha, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinard Nothnagel, Darrien Landsberg, JC Pretorius, Jarod Cairns, Francke Horn (CAPT)
Replacements: Franco Marais, Heiko Pohlmann, Conraad van Vuuren, Ruben Schoeman, Renzo du Plessis, Sanele Nohamba, Marius Louw, Henco van Wyk

Edinburgh Rugby: Wes Goosen, Darcy Graham, Ross McCann, Matt Scott, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben Healy, Ben Vellacott (CO-CAPT), Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Paul Hill, Marshall Sykes, Grant Gilchrist (CO-CAPT), Jamie Ritchie, Hamish Watson, Magnus Bradbury
Replacements: Patrick Harrison, Boan Venter, D’arcy Rae, Jamie Hodgson, Ben Muncaster, Ali Price, Ross Thompson, Mosese Tuipulotu

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt said: “This will be another testing encounter for us however we feel that, from our performances against Leinster and Vodacom Bulls, we’re more than
capable of securing a positive result. The Lions are a tough team, with a good set piece and exciting backs, especially in transition, so we know that we’ll be in for a fight tomorrow.”

Vodacom Bulls v Ulster
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 101st league game)
AR 1: JD Jadezweni (SARU) AR 2: Dylan November (SARU)
TMO: Ben Breakspear (WRU)
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Boeta Chamberlain, Embrose Papier, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje (CAPT), Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Francois Klopper, Sintu Manjezi, Celimpilo Gumede, Keagan Johannes, Stedman Gans, Aphiwe Dyantyi

Ulster: Mike Lowry, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Ben Carson, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak, Andrew Warwick, James McCormick, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Charlie Irvine, James McNabney, Sean Reffell, David McCann
Replacements: Tadgh McElroy, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Ben Moxham

Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said: “I am looking forward to seeing how we play because there is everything there, we have good forwards and good backs with good pace, skill and a bit of everything. This will be the strongest team we have fielded in four years from an experience point of view, and an achievement point of view; like we have Springboks in key positions and even on the bench. We all know that just because you have a strong team does not make anything automatic but it is exciting to see that our four years are coming together now. We have a front row and a backline of Springboks. There is still a job to be done, this is a big game against Ulster, who have also managed not to roll over because they are a good team. They may not have got the results but they have toured South Africa very well in the past and I expect it to be a tough game.”

Benetton v Leinster
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA
Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 58th league game)
AR 1: Federico Vedovelli (FIR) AR 2: Manuel Bottino (FIR)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)
Live on: Sky Italia, RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Benetton: Matt Gallagher, Ignacio Mendy, Tommaso Menoncello, Malakai Fekitoa, Paolo Odogwu, Jacob Umaga, Alessandro Garbisi; Mirco Spagnolo, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Niccolò Cannone, Riccardo Favretto, Sebastian Negri, Manuel Zuliani, Michele Lamaro (CAPT)
Replacements: Marco Manfredi, Aminu Destiny, Enzo Avaca, Federico Ruzza, Giulio Marini, Lorenzo Cannone, Andy Uren, Leonardo Marin

Leinster: Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, James Lowe, Ciarán Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, RG Snyman, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (CAPT)
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Ryan Baird, Brian Deeny, Fintan Gunne, Ross Byrne, Scott Penny

Benetton Head Coach Marco Bortolami said: “Let’s start again from the attitude shown in the second half against Glasgow, when despite the disadvantage the team continued to fight on every tackle and every ball. In view of Leinster it will be important to return to having the entire group available, net of injuries. We will have to recover our energy and use our motivation to improve quickly and put in a valuable performance”

Leinster Assistant Coach Jacques Nienaber said: “A couple of months ago, if you had given me a contract and said if you sign this I guarantee you ten points from the first two games, I would have signed it. From a results point of view, that’s what we wanted to achieve. You couldn’t ask for more than ten points. But there are a lot of things we still need to work on both on and off the field. We have taken a lot of good learnings out of the first two games and we just need to crack on and focus on Benetton now. It’s going to be another tough challenge for us over there. They also get a big chunk of their squad back that has been with Italy over the summer, so that will be a proper Test match vibe for us.”

Dragons RFC v Hollywoodbets Sharks
Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 17.15 IRE & UK / 18.15 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 97th league game)
AR 1: Ben Connor (WRU) AR 2: Nathan James (WRU)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (IRFU)
Live on: S4C, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer, Harry Wilson, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Lloyd Evans, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Leon Brown, Ben Carter (CAPT), Matthew Screech, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Taine Basham, Dan Lydiate
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Rodrigo Martinez, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Dane Blacker, Will Reed, Joe Westwood

Hollywoodbets Sharks: Jordan Hendrikse, Eduan Keyter, Jurenzo Julius, Andre Esterhuizen, Ethan Hooker, Siya Masuku, Jaden Hendrikse, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Dylan Richardson, Ruan Dreyer, Jason Jenkins, Gerbrandt Grobler, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka (CAPT), Emmanuel Tshituka
Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Trevor Nyakane, Hanro Jacobs, Corne Rahl, Phepsi Buthelezi, Cameron Wright, Lionel Cronje, Francois Venter

Dragons RFC Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “We know what we are facing. I was super impressed with the way the Sharks played in the first half in Connacht. They were big, physical, and really connected in how they want to play. Connacht were superb in the second half, but Sharks are still the best team in South Africa now, having won the Currie Cup. Of all the teams travelling to us in the next two weeks, we have the two finalists from the Currie Cup. But what an opportunity for us to show if we have developed or not.”

Munster v Ospreys
Virgin Media Park, Cork – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 84th league game)
AR 1: Keane Davison (IRFU) AR 2: Chris Lough (IRFU)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (SRU)
Live on: RTÉ, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster: Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Bryan Fitzgerald, Shay McCarthy, Jack Crowley, Craig Casey, Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager, Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (CAPT), Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Jack O’Donoghue
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, Conor Murray, Tony Butler, Jack Daly

Ospreys: Max Nagy, Iestyn Hopkins, Owen Watkin, Phil Cokanasiga, Ryan Conbeer, Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Steffan Thomas, Dewi Lake, Tom Botha, Huw Sutton, Adam Beard, James Ratti, Jac Morgan (CAPT) Morgan Morris
Replacements: Sam Parry, Garyn Phillips, Ben Warren, Lewis Jones, Harri Deaves, Luke Davies, Jack Walsh, Keiran Williams

Zebre Parma v DHL Stormers
Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 45th league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Franco Rosella (FIR)
TMO: Mark Patton (IRFU)
Live on: Sky Italia, SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Zebre Parma: Geronimo Prisciantelli, Jacopo Trulla, Luca Morisi, Fetuli Paea, Simone Gesi, Giacomo Da Re, Alessandro Fusco, Danilo Fischetti (CAPT), Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Matteo Nocera, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov, Davide Ruggeri, Samuele Locatelli, Giacomo Ferrari
Replacements: Luca Bigi, Luca Rizzoli, Juan Pitinari, Andrea Zambonin, Giovanni Licata, Gonzalo Garcia, Scott Gregory, Giovanni Montemauri

DHL Stormers: Damian Willemse, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruhan Nel, Dan du Plessis (CAPT), Leolin Zas, Jurie Matthee, Paul de Wet, Sti Sithole, Joseph Dweba, Neethling Fouche, JD Schickerling, Ruben van Heerden, Marcel Theunissen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Keke Morabe
Replacements: Andre-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Adre Smith, Louw Nel, Dewaldt Duvenage, Warrick Gelant, Angelo Davids

Zebre Parma Head Coach Massimo Brunello said: “We have trained with enthusiasm and energy, but it is important to stay humble and keep working. It will be a tactical battle against a team that kicks a lot and can create difficulties. We need to be vigilant and not give away anything, focusing on precision in set pieces and in the most crucial phases. We must make the right choices without giving them opportunities, especially in transition, because the Stormers are a team that can be dangerous at any moment and in any area of the field.”

DHL Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said: “This has been a good week for us and we are all excited to see what this team can do against an in-form Zebre Parma side. The players coming in all bring something unique that will hopefully see us lift our standards across the board on Saturday. We will have to be as sharp as ever and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. It is a challenge we are all looking forward to.”
Starting team news for Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby 

Scarlets vs Connacht Rugby Preview – Aki, Hansen & Cordero start

Scarlets vs Connacht Rugby Preview, and team news – 19:35, Friday, 4th of October 2024

*Scarlets vs Connacht Rugby Preview**
**Date:** Friday, 4th October 2024
**Kick-off:** 19:35
**Venue:** Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
**Referee:** Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU, 23rd game)
**ARs:** Mike English (WRU), Ben Connor (WRU)
**TMO:** Christopher Allison (SARU)

Connacht Rugby will face the Scarlets this Friday evening with several key changes in their backline. Bundee Aki returns to make his first start of the season, bringing a powerful presence at inside centre. His inclusion is sure to strengthen Connacht’s midfield both in attack and defence.

Jack Carty comes back into the starting XV at fly-half, taking over from Josh Ioane, who is unavailable after failing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) during Connacht’s thrilling comeback against the Sharks. Connacht overturned a 20-point deficit at halftime to secure a remarkable win

Santiago Cordero plays at fullback, with Mack Hansen taking his usual spot on the right wing. Piers O’Conor, normally a centre, shifts to the left wing, while Cathal Forde moves position to outside centre. The reshuffled backline blends power, pace, and experience, giving Connacht plenty of firepower.

*

The bench sees the inclusion of prop Temi Lasisi who could make his debut if called upon, and Shayne Bolton who has recovered from the injury he sustained against Munster. 

Head coach Pete Wilkins says: 

“Llanelli is a always tough place to go for visiting teams, so whilst respecting the Scarlets’ strengths we must make every effort to impose our game and take our opportunities when they arise.  

In Bundee and Jack we have two senior players coming into the starting lineup with a wealth of experience and quality. It says a lot about the strength of the squad this year that we’re able to bring in players of that calibre. 

We will need to perform at our best to get a result and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Scarlets Head Coach Dwayne Peel said: “We know Connacht’s DNA is to play with good structure, good shape and with ball in hand. They have power up front and are difficult to break down. It was an entertaining game in Galway last season and I’m expecting the same between two highly competitive sides. We’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Key Statistics and Form:

**Scarlets Recent Form (URC):**
– **Last 5 Matches:** L, L, W, D, L
– Scarlets are coming off a 15-24 loss to Cardiff Rugby, which ended a three-game unbeaten run.
– They have struggled at home, with their recent victory at Parc y Scarlets coming against Benetton back in May (32-18).
– Scarlets haven’t beaten an Irish province since March 2021, when they overcame Connacht (41-36). Since then, they’ve struggled against Irish opposition.

**Connacht Recent Form (URC):**
– **Last 5 Matches:** W, L, L, L, W
– Connacht ended their four-game losing streak in the BKT URC with a dramatic 36-30 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks last weekend, coming back from a 20-point halftime deficit.
– Despite their thrilling home win, Connacht have struggled away from home. Their last away win came on April 27 against Dragons RFC.
– Connacht’s form against Welsh opposition is strong: they’ve won their last ten fixtures against Welsh regions.

URC Head-to-Head Record:

– **Scarlets:**
– Played: 431, Won: 226 (52.44% Win Rate)
– **Connacht:**
– Played: 444, Won: 180 (40.54% Win Rate)

Recent URC Meetings:

– **28 September 2019:** Scarlets 18-10 Connacht
– **14 November 2020:** Connacht 20-14 Scarlets
– **22 March 2021:** Scarlets 41-36 Connacht
– **19 February 2022:** Scarlets 23-29 Connacht
– **21 October 2022:** Connacht 36-14 Scarlets
– **02 March 2024:** Connacht 26-10 Scarlets

Connacht hold the upper hand in recent clashes, having won the last three meetings between the sides. Their last visit to Parc y Scarlets in February 2022 saw Connacht secure a 29-23 victory, which broke an 11-game losing streak at the venue.

Key Points:

– **Scarlets Home Struggles:** Scarlets have found wins hard to come by at Parc y Scarlets, with just one win this season at home.
– **Connacht’s Welsh Dominance:** Connacht have been dominant against Welsh regions recently, winning their last ten encounters. They will be confident heading into this match despite their patchy form.
– **Scarlets Poor Record Against Irish Teams:** Scarlets haven’t beaten an Irish team since March 2021, and they’ll be under pressure to end this drought.
– **Connacht’s Comeback Momentum:** Connacht’s dramatic comeback last week against the Sharks will have boosted their morale. Jack Carty’s return to the starting lineup should provide experience and direction.

Connacht’s Away Worries:

Connacht have not won away from home since their trip to Newport to face Dragons RFC on 27 April. Their away form has been inconsistent, which could be a concern as they head to Llanelli.
Additionally, Connacht have shown defensive frailties at times, conceding heavily in away matches, including the 47-12 loss to Munster late last season and again over 30pts this season . Maintaining discipline and structure will be key if they want to secure back-to-back wins.

### Scarlets Key Concerns:
– **Inconsistent Performances:** Scarlets’ inability to close out tight games, highlighted by recent narrow defeats, could be a factor once again.
– **Lack of Wins Against Irish Teams:** Their last win over Connacht came more than three years ago, and recent performances against Irish opposition have been disappointing.

—

Both teams will be looking to secure crucial points in the URC standings, with Scarlets aiming to bounce back from their loss and Connacht seeking consistency away from home.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS SCARLETS
19:35, Friday 4th October 2024 @ Parc y Scarlets 

Number/Name/Caps (* denotes uncapped)

15. Santiago Cordero (4)
14. Mack Hansen (34)
13. Cathal Forde (33)
12. Bundee Aki (138)
11. Piers O’Conor (2)
10. Jack Carty (212)
9. Ben Murphy (2)
1. Denis Buckley (250)
2. Dave Heffernan (20)
3. Finlay Bealham (205)
4. Niall Murray (76)
5. David O’Connor (1)
6. Josh Murphy (20)
7. Conor Oliver (87)
8. Cian Prendergast (70) (C)

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (38)
17. Peter Dooley (39)
18. Temi Lasisi *
19. Oisín Dowling (61)
20. Paul Boyle (94)
21. Caolin Blade (194)
22. David Hawkshaw (32)
23. Shayne Bolton (14)

Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas, Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Eddie James, Blair Murray, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Josh Macleod (CAPT), Dan Davis, Taine Plumtree

Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Carwyn Tuipulotu, Efan Jones, Ioan Lloyd, Macs Page

 

With Aki back and Hansen steering the team, Connacht will look to build on their strong start to the season. The Scarlets, playing at home, will be a tough challenge, but Connacht’s depth and recent form should make for an exciting contest under the lights in Llanelli.

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