In three things we learned this weekend we look at the impact Nevin Spence has had in his short rugby career, a fitting win in Ravenhill and a return to action for many international players.
By Declan Whooley
The rugby family united in grief for Nevin Spence
The tragic accidents on Saturday evening at Hillsborough firmly put things into perspective. The rugby family worldwide has shown solidarity to offer the Spence family support at this most difficult time.
The 22-year-old had already shown glimpses during his short career that greater things lay in store. Last year was a brilliant one for the centre. A crucial Heineken Cup try in the Rec against Bath and some impressive performances in the Rabo Direct saw him earn two Irish Wolfhounds caps last year as well as the IRUPA Young Player of the Year. This summer Declan Kidney gave him his first senior appearance against the Barbarians.
Tributes have flooded in from near and far, from team-mates to opposition players, from Brian O’Driscoll to Dan Carter, but David Humphrey’s best summed up feelings in his press conference yesterday.
In an emotional press briefing the Director of Rugby for Ulster paid testament to Spence both as a man and as a player and simply stated: “There is no doubt it is a mountain to climb and we are not ready to climb that mountain yet. Ulster would be a poorer place without him.”
Ulster win at Ravenhill
Although it seems almost trivial to talk about action on the pitch, it was somewhat fitting that Ulster should win such a big game at Ravenhill on Friday. The home side edged out their southern rivals by the bare minimum in a game that saw well taken tries, backs to the wall defending, pressure kicks and a thrilling finish. Little wonder tensions spilled over on occasions.
The events of the following evening would put the game in perspective, though.
Internationals make the difference
It was clear the impact the returning internationals had on the weekend. The Irish sides welcomed back their star names, and Jonathan Sexton’s late drop goal clinched a dramatic win against Treviso. Indeed only himself and the returning Brian O’Driscoll got on the scoresheet.
Elsewhere some big Welsh names proved the difference. Alex Cuthbert inspired the Blues to a win over Welsh rivals the Dragons, while George North terrorised the Connacht defence as Scarlets left Galway with all the points.
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