Celtic League Week One Round Up

Fingers have to be very much pointed at Irelands contempt for the tournament, as Eddie O'Sullivan is content enough to make his international stars sit out the opening three weeks of the season, and subsequently leave Munster and Leinster severely weakened.

Scotland's' pro sides also have central issues, with a lack of funding and direction evident form the SRU, along with an on-running fued with local clubs.

This weekends' matches perhaps may act as a warning sign for the dangers that lie ahead.

Welsh sides must take some part of the blame for their part in a dour opening.

Cardiff Blues were simply diabolical, failing to register a point before the interval at Donnybrook against Leinster. Although Dai Young rested several first choice players, at times their handling and overall skill level was barely amateur.

"We got a point and didn't deserve much more," said Blues coach Dai Young.

"There were a lot of schoolboy errors and there will be a lot of players who are not looking forward to seeing the video.

"We lacked the vision and skill level to get it to the wing, and there were too many dropped passes leaving us nothing to build on.

A very honest call from Young, who could even have tasted victory had replacement outside half Lee Thomas not pulled a penalty attempt wide with three minutes left on the clock.

On Friday night at Netherdale,  Llanelli Scarlets flattered to deceive despite racking up a bonus point win.

Scores from Salesi Finau, Chris Wyatt and Gavin Thomas gave the West Walians a 21-0 lead at half time.

Such was the difference in quality between the sides, Gareth Jenkins could afford to disrupt the games flow with a number of changes.

As the Scarlets' eased off Borders mounted a fight back of sorts' with two tries of their own, but never looked that bigger threat. Simon Easterby added the simplest of scores to claim the bonus point.

Ulster and Edinburgh returned to the scene of their Celtic Cup final last December, albeit at a far emptier ground with a last minute drop goal from outside half Paddy Wallace stealing the points for the visitors at Murrayfield.

In Galway also on Saturday afternoon, Glasgow were truly woeful showing a distinct lack of composure against Connacht. Australian Sevens' player Paul Warwick was especially affective as the home side put in a typically workmanlike showing to win 31-15.