RaboDirect Pro12: Week 11 Review

Boxing day rugby has become something of a tradition; in fact boxing day without rugby would be somewhat bizarre and this weekend did not disappoint with a multitude of derby's in Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. While the gap in the middle of the Pro 12 table has been closed Leinster pulled ahead at the top of the table after a bonus point win over Ulster on Boxing Day while Ospreys suffered a defeat in their Derby against the Scarlets.

Aironi 27 - 13  Benetton Treviso

Luciano Orquera kicked all the points as Aironi got their second win of the season against Italian rivals Benetton Treviso. Orquera kicked all nine penalties on target as he led his team to victory for the first time since they beat Edinburgh at the beginning of the season. A penalty try and penalties by Willen de Waal were not enough for the visitors as their indiscipline meant they missed out on a losing bonus point. The two teams will meet again on Saturday where Treviso will be after a home win to boost their play off chances.

Cardiff Blues 28 - 9 Newport Gwent Dragons

Alex Cuthbert showed his worth as he went over for two tries as the Blues beat Welsh rivals Dragons at home. Cuthbert's clinical finishing makes him a strong contender to take over the number 11 jersey in the Welsh camp. He went over for his first try in the 19th minute after Casey Laulala offloaded the ball to him, Leigh Halfpenny added the extras. Jason Tovey put three points on the board for the visitors but it wasn't long before their defence started to crack. On the stroke of half time Bradley Davies also went over for a try as the Blues gave themselves a comfortable lead as they went into the break. Early in the second half Tovey and Halfpenny exchanged two penalties each which kept their teams scoreboards ticking over. Halfpenny then set up Cuthbert's second try as he teared through the Dragons defence before offloading. Gavin Henson who was making his debut for the Blues made some good passes but failed to make much of an impact as he tries to get himself back onto the rugby scene.

Scarlets 22 - 14 Ospreys

Rhys Priestland had a great game as his on form kicking gave the Scarlets victory over Welsh rivals Ospreys for the first time in four years. The Welsh fly half kicked two on target penalties in the opening stages of the game put the home side ahead while his opposite number Dan Biggar had to wait until the 28th minute before getting his team on the scoresheet. Tommy Bowe missed the chance to score the first try of the game after he knocked on, with Rhys Thomas going over just minutes later to extend the Scarlets lead, Priestland added the extras.

In the second half Ospreys attempted a comeback, two Biggar penalties and a Barry Davies try reduced the deficit to just two points, but Biggar was unable to make the conversion. Priestland soon opened the gap a little further with another penalty and Wales prop Adam Jones was treated for a neck injury a minute later and was replaced by Aaron Jarvis. One last penalty for Priestland gave them a comfortable lead as the game entered the final ten minutes.

Leinster 42 - 13 Ulster 

Leinster extended their lead at the top of the Pro12 table with a bonus-point win over Irish rivals Ulster. The home side managed three tries in each half as they played a weakened side ahead of Ulster's clash with  Munster on Friday. Fionn Carr, Season Cronin and Leo Auva'a scored in the first half with Fergus McFadden adding the extras for each one. Chris Cochrane who was making his debut on the wing for Ulster went over for a try in the 48th minute as they tried to claw their way back into the game. Leinster's strength proved too much as Ian Madigan and Jamie Hagan went over for tries as well as being awarded a penalty try. True to form McFadden once again converted all three tries. Leinster are now six points clear of the Ospreys who lost to the Scarlets this weekend.

Edinburgh 23 - 23 Glasgow Warriors 

Glasgow Warriors came from behind to ensure that Edinburgh didn't have bragging rights over their Scottish  rivals but missed out on a win as Ruaridh Jackson missed a late minute penalty. Both teams went into half-time with 10 points each. Edinburgh got off to a good start with a try by Ross Rennie, with Greig Laidlaw adding the extras and them kicking a penalty before Duncan Weir was able to get Glasgow on the scoresheet. Alastair Kellock helped level the scores after he barged his way over the time and Weir knocked over the extras. Tim Visser scored two tries in two minutes in the second half to put Edinburgh in the lead as Glasgow looked as if they were sunk. Colin Shaw reduced the deficit slightly before the late try from Jackson, unfortunately neither of the latter were converted. The 1872 Cup will now be contended for on the New Years Day fixture at Firhill.

Munster 24 - 9 Connacht 

John Hayes finished his Munster career with a win over Connacht at Thomond Park. Ian Keatley kicked 14 points over his former team as Munster put on an impressive display. Keatley kicked two penalties as the first half got underway before Sean Scanlon and Tomas O'Leary both went over the line within five minutes of each other, Keatley converted the first. Niall O'Connor and Keatley exchanged penalties in the second half to keep a comfortable lead for the home side. Donncha O'Callaghan was sinbinned in the 61st minute but it made little impact on the game as Connacht were unable to take advantage of their extra man.