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Leinster thrash the Dragons in Rodney Parade, Glasgow survive red card
By Liam Blackburn
Pro14 Conference A leaders Glasgow Warriors overcame Alex Allan's early red card to beat the Scarlets 29-20 on Saturday, while Conference B table-toppers Leinster were convincing 59-10 winners over the Dragons.
Glasgow had to play for over an hour with 14 men after Allan was dismissed for making direct contact with the head of Jake Ball when the score was 3-3.
However, the hosts built up a big second-half lead thanks largely to Brandon Thomson, who scored 24 of their 29 points.
The Scarlets rallied with three tries through Jonathan Davies, Steff Evans and Clayton Blommetjies but Glasgow held on to extend their lead in Conference A to seven points.
Scarlets' loss was also a boost to Leinster, who ran in nine tries in a 59-10 away thrashing of the Dragons.
Dave Kearney and Jimmy O'Brien each crossed twice while Scott Penny, Scott Fardy, Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan and Bryan Byrne also scored tries.
Epalahame Faiva dotted down three times before half-time as Benetton Treviso secured a 22-19 away win over Conference B's bottom side Southern Kings.
Two second-half penalties from John Cooney ensured Ulster claimed a narrow 16-12 home success over Cardiff Blues while Connacht edged to a 21-17 win at the Cheetahs.
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Latest Comments
The winner breaks into the (key) top 6 in the World rankings and locks the other out (Australia will lead Scot by 1.6 points if they win). Australia won't get a chance to improve until next years RC so this match is vital. Scotland must hold the line for their part.
Australia are obviously well capable of beating Ireland but with accumulating fatigue becoming a factor I expect an all out performance from Australia tomorrow with Ireland viewed as a bonus.
It will be hopefully a cracker but this is the type of match that Scotland must start winning to take that step up that they crave.
Go to commentsAgree.
Ireland are off their feet at the majority of their attacking rucks. Its so common that commentators don't even notice it. We hear about "clear outs" and "clean outs", which don't exist in the Laws (the correct word is "binding"), and the obligation to "endeavour to stay on your feet" is nowhere to be seen.
Ireland is not the only team to adopt this coached flopping and diving at attacking rucks, but its clearly part of their quick ruck ball strategy.
No need for law changes here. We just need refs to award penalties when players don't endeavour to stay on their feet.
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