A lead that changed hands seven time in 40 minutes, ridiculous French offloading, Tommy Bowe’s GAA skills, Paddy Jackson’s soccering… it has been some first half in Belfast.
Ulster lead Clermont Auvergne 22-18 after some of the most entertaining rugby of the season.
The Irish province’s second try, from Iain Henderson, was the pick of the bunch. A powerful Charles Piutau break set the platform for a try that demonstrated the best of footballing scrum-half Ruan Pienaar and the fielding ability of Monaghan minor star Bowe.
It really was a gem of a try.
But what caught our eye most after a fantastic 40 minutes was the Ulster team doctor’s bag.
Bear with us.
Ruan Pienaar went down injured and as he received treatment the cameras picked up the doctor’s bag, which features a wonderful tribute to departed Ulster player Nevin Spence.
The 22-year-old died alongside his brother and father in a farming accident more than four years ago but is still clearly in the thoughts of his former colleagues at Ulster rugby.
Ulster recently unveiled a tribute to Anthony Foley in their dressing room after Munster had done similar following Spence’s death in 2012.
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
