Second-string Sharks sliced apart by Connacht, snapping five-match winning streak
Irish side Connacht snapped the Sharks' five-match losing streak with a 23-12 victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in Galway on Saturday night.
Jack Carty Sport News
URC team news: Harry Byrne makes first Leinster start of season
Robert Baloucoune will make his 50th appearance for Ulster when they visit Benetton on Saturday.
URC team of the week: Leinster and Munster impress in round 11
There was further derby drama in the BKT United Rugby Championship on either side of the New Year celebrations.
Leinster cut loose late on to dispatch Connacht
United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster began the new year in familiar fashion with a 41-12 bonus-point win over Connacht at the RDS. Tries from David Hawkshaw and Tom Farrell had Connacht just 19-12 behind at half-time, with Liam Turner, Brian Deeny and Jordan Larmour crossing for Leinster. Larmour, Rob Russell, Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier made it a seven-try victory for Leo Cullen's men, whose only real worry was losing captain Jonathan Sexton to a facial injury.
Leinster start new year in familiar fashion with convincing win against Connacht
United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster began the new year in familiar fashion with a 41-12 bonus-point win over Connacht at the RDS.
United Rugby Championship Round 11: All you need to know
The first games of 2023, but the last of the Interpros in the regular season of the BKT United Ruby Championship.
Adam Byrne a doubt as Andy Friend demands response from Connacht
Adam Byrne looks like being the only injury doubt for Connacht ahead of Sunday's final Interpro of the season versus Leinster, but director of rugby Andy Friend is considering changes as he seeks a response following last week's defeat to Ulster.
Ulster coach Dan McFarland was unsure about John Cooney kicking late penalty against Connacht
When John Cooney kicked a 72nd-penalty to put Ulster 22-8 up at the Sportsground, his head coach Dan McFarland felt it was the wrong call.