The Rabo Round-Up: Round 3

The RaboDirect PRO12 continued this weekend with Round 3. The game of the weekend had to be Zebre’s fantastic win against Glasgow away from home- their first ever win in the PRO12 after 24 previous attempts. It was 2 from 3 for the Welsh with the Dragons defeating Welsh neighbours the Scarlets and Ospreys recording a comprehensive victory over Edinburgh. It was a poor weekend for the Irish sides with Leinster and Munster both losing to Glasgow and Treviso respectively. In the clash of the weekend Ulster got the upper hand over Irish counterparts Connacht thanks to a super performance from Paddy Jackson.

Newport Gwent Dragons 23 – 16 Scarlets

Dan Evans’ first-half try against his former club proved decisive as the Newport Gwent Dragons held off a Scarlets fight back to force a dramatic 23-16 win in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Cardiff Blues 25 – 30 Zebre

Zebre finally claimed their maiden RaboDirect PRO12 victory at the 25th time of asking with a 30-25 victory over the Cardiff Blues at Arms Park, surviving a late onslaught from the home side.

Benetton Treviso 29 – 19 Munster Rugby

Ludovico Nitoglia crossed twice for Benetton Treviso and Mat Berquist kicked superbly as the Italians upset previous table toppers Munster in a 29-19 win in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Ulster picked up their first win of the new RaboDirect PRO12 season by seeing off fellow Irish province Connacht 18-7 in Galway.

Last year’s runners-up overcame a strong Connacht start to triumph, in large part thanks to the work of young fly-half Paddy Jackson.

In front of watching new Ireland coach Joe Schmidt, Ulster’s Irish international scored a try and kicked a further eight points to help his side to victory at the Sportsground.

Glasgow Warriors 12 – 6 Leinster Rugby

Glasgow Warriors made it three wins from three and inflicted a first defeat of the season on RaboDirect PRO12 champions Leinster with a 12-6 win at Scotstoun.

Tries from Chris Fusaro and Jerry Yanuyanutawa proved the difference in front of a sell-out crowd as the hosts continued their finestart to the season.