There was plenty of Pro 12 action this weekend, with the fifth round of fixtures being played. The Irish provinces are still shorn of their internationals, but they still managed to continue their impressive starts to the season.
Ospreys 16-21 Connacht
The Westerners continued their excellent start to the season with their first ever victory at the Liberty Stadium, and their first win over the Ospreys since 2004.
Ospreys 8 Dan Baker put the Welsh side 8-3 ahead early in the first half but a yellow card for Josh Matavesi opened the door for Connacht, and they duly went through as Matt Healy went over for a try and Jack Carty added another penalty before the break.
Image: ©INPHO/Ian Cook
Man of the match Bundee Aki then went over to extend the lead, with Craig Ronaldson converting. The Ospreys fought back, Sam Davies adding a penalty and they touched down through Welsh international Justin Tipuric, before a Ronaldson penalty sealed the win.
The result moves Connacht level with Scarlets at the top of the table, while Ospreys languish near the bottom in 10th place.
Scarlets 25-22 Munster
Steven Shingler hit a last minute penalty to give Scarlets a home win over Munster that has propelled to the top of the table. New signing DTH Van Der Merwe continues to impress, scoring another try while being a constant threat on the left wing. Tom Williams also got over as Shingler kicked 15 points from the tee.
Image: ©INPHO/Ian Cook
Ian Keatley's boot kept Munster ticking over as he hit four penalties, a drop goal and converted Andrew Conway's try. It wasn't enough for the win but they do come away with a losing bonus point. They drop to 3rd place after today's result.
Leinster 23-18 Glasgow
Garry Ringrose continues to impress for Leinster as he scooped up the man of the match reward after Glasgow gave the Dublin based side a scare.
Luke McGrath and Zander Ferguson traded trys before Taqele Naiyaravoro touched down for the visitors with a score that put Glasgow ahead. However, the big Australian wing conceded a penalty try to hand the initiative back to Leinster.
Fergus McFadden kicked both conversions and landed three penalties, with the result moving them into sixth place. Glasgow slip into seventh.
Ulster 24-17 Cardiff Blues
Ulster got the perfect result as they welcome Les Kiss on board, securing a bonus point victory over an ever improving Cardiff side.
Andrew Trimble and Paul Marshall both crossed the whitewash in the first half, giving them a 12-9 lead at the break, before Nick Williams and rising star Stuart McCloskey secured the bonus point at the Kingspan Stadium. The game wasn't over yet however, as Josh Navidi crossed to leave the Blues with a fighting chance.
Image: Credit ©INPHO/Presseye/Matt Mackey
Ulster held firm and are currently in fifth, with the Blues back in ninth.
Other results:
Zebre 19-11 Edinburgh
Newport Gwent Dragon 19-12 Benetton Treviso
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