The Irish provinces struggled in Guinness Pro 12 action this weekend as only Ulster came away with a victory.
Ulster 14-7 Edinburgh Rugby
Ulster, having lost a close match to Leinster in their last time out, introduced a number of changes for this match at the Kingspan Stadium, and they appeared to have the desired effect as within 12 minutes, they'd shot into a 14-0 lead.
Ulster were given a penalty try when Edinburgh were judged to have illegally stopped Ruen Pienaar from crossing the line, while Rory Scholes then doubled the advantage a few minutes later as he touched down to move the scoreboard again. Paddy Jackson added the conversion to give his side a commanding lead.
That was to be the end of the scoring for coach Les Kiss' side, but it proved to be enough of an advantage to see them through to the final whistle. Edinburgh did come out in the second half with more intensity, and were rewarded for it when Cornell du Preez touched down 10 minutes in, but that was all they could muster against a resolute Ulster defence.
Iain Henderson is taken off the field injured. Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Matt Mackey
The win did come at a cost however, as Iain Henderson was stretchered off, while they also suffered injuries to Darren Cave, Dan Touhy and Peter Nelson.
Newport Gwent Dragons 22-6 Munster
Munster's poor form in this competition continued as they were comprehensively beaten by the Dragons to slip to their second successive league defeat.
Dorian Jones' boot was responsible for most of the points in this one, with the only try coming from Rynard Landman a few short minutes from the final whistle.
Rynard Landman scores for Newport Gwent Dragons. Image: ©INPHO/Camerasport/Craig Thomas
The score perhaps does not tell the full story however, as Anthony Foley's side had a number of opportunities to get over the try line and simply couldn't convert. On one occasion, they did even manage to get over the chalk but failed to touch it down as Lucas Amorosino was held up and eventually had the ball knocked from his grip.
Frustration could be the key word here for fans, but they'll be hoping for a better performance as they head into a crucial Champions Cup fixture next.
Cardiff Blues 20-16 Connacht Rugby
A dream start to the season for Pat Lam and his Connacht side suffered a setback as they were beaten by Cardiff to secure just their second win of the season.
The Irish side were chasing the game from early on in proceedings after Manoa Vosawai opened the scoring, but Ian Porter and Eoin McKeon replied for Lam's side. However, the conversion on both tires were missed, giving Cardiff a closer target to aim for as they drew level through the boot of Rhys Patchell.
Ian Porter touches down for Connacht's first try. Image: ©INPHO/Ashley Crowden
Porter once again got Connacht's noses in front, but a second half try from Tom James made it 17-13, while Patchell then added another penalty to extend the lead and give the Blues some breathing space. It proved to be too much to overcome for Connacht, but they did come close in the closing stages.
The Blues were able to force a knock over after a brilliant Bundee Aki break brought Connacht into Blues territory, while shortly afterwards the Irish side kicked to the corner and pushed for the line, only for the TMO to spot a knock on as they attempted to ground the ball.
The loss knocks them from the top of the table, as Scarlets leapfrogged them with a win over Treviso.
Glasgow Warriors P-P Leinster
Storm Desmond took its toll on the sports fixtures this weekend also, as Leinster's match against Glasgow Warriors was called off following a pitch inspection at Scotstoun Stadium.
WATCH: Footage of the waterlogged pitch at Scotstoun, which has caused Glasgow v Leinster to be postponed. https://t.co/4JuJPcWTKN
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) December 5, 2015
The fixture was postponed, and fans have been encouraged to hold on to their tickets, as they will be valid for the rearranged game.
Other results from around the Pro 12:
Benetton Treviso 20-22 Scarlets
Zebre Rugby 22-39 Ospreys
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