A European 'Grand Slam'

'Grand Slam' sounds a trifle grand, but nevertheless the four Irish provinces achieved a clean sweep of triumphs at the weekend, which collectively represent a good omen for Oirish rugby.

Starting in alphabetical order, Connacht can be most encouraged by a resounding victory away to Zebre. Admittedly their opponents are not of the highest quality, but the west coasters still won convincingly. They were assisted in no small way by 23 points from the ever-reliable boot of Dan Parks. Connacht will certainly not win the Heineken Cup, but they are determined to give a good account of themselves.

Meanwhile, Leinster overcame Castres with twelve points to spare. The European giants of recent years appear to be taking a while to warm up, but presumably they will hit top gear after Christmas. However, this was the second successive week where the men in blue won without accumulating the kind of score we sometimes come to expect. Right now, the focus will be on ascending the Pro12 chart where the reigning champions have made a mediocre start.

Munster bounced back predictably from their Edinburgh setback, with poor Gloucester the team that was always likely to encounter a wounded animal, with a point to prove. Ian Keatley (pictured) slotted fifteen useful points (and with Madigan not playing for Leinster at present), the fly half could be moving into contention for a place as understudy to Mr Sexton. 

Finally, pride of place must go to Ulster who recorded a rare win on French soil. The white knights ended up with a resounding triumph which boosts their chances of yet again progressing to the knock-out stages. They join Leinster as the only two Irish provinces with a 100% record so far in the European Cup pool stages. Ruan Pienaar kicked seventeen points as Montpellier got licked. If only the national team could translate this superiority over a French team to the national level. Wishful thinking perhaps, mes amis.

RESULTS:

Leinster 19 Castres 7
(Try: McGrath)

Montpellier 8 Ulster 25
(Try: Trimble)

Munster 26 Gloucester 10
(Tries: Varley, Murphy)

Zebre 6 Connacht 33
(Tries: Naoupu, Fifita)