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Andrew Smith of Munster evades pressure from Harold Vorster. James Crombie/INPHO

Munster rue major referee error in narrow Bulls defeat, Leinster too strong for Ulster

The referee said ‘there are too many rules in this game’ when admitting Munster had been wrongly reduced to 14 men for 14 minutes of action.

LAST UPDATE | 19 Apr

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Munster 13 

Bulls 16 

MUNSTER’S URC QUALIFICATION hopes suffered a massive set-back at Thomond Park when they lost to South African opposition there for the first time after erroneously being reduced to 14 men for 14 minutes of the second half.

The confusion occurred when tighthead Stephen Archer, on since the 14th minute when Oli Jager suffered a head injury, had to go off injured after 52 with Italian referee Andrea Piardi and his officials insisting Munster had to go down to 14 men as the game went to uncontested scrums.

******

Leinster 41

Ulster 17

DAN SHEEHAN GRABBED a second half hat-trick from the bench at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday as Leinster moved nine points clear at the summit of the United Rugby Championship table with a commanding bonus point triumph over interprovincial rivals Ulster. 

Introduced in the 47th minute, Sheehan produced an all-action display to ensure Leo Cullen’s men secured their 14th win from 15 in the URC with minimal fuss.

The 42′s award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye.

 

 

 

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    Mute John Flanagan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 7:55 PM

    I must say some of these rugby referees demand a little to much respect. Particularly like this evening he was not up to scratch. Too many rules yes but it’s he’s job to know them. Tonight not only the subs where a problem for the ref. But also with a kick off from half way line after a score. Jack crowley was right. Ref said no. Referes need to be accountable. As they are in most sports. Disappointing.

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    Mute michael hamilton
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    Apr 19th 2025, 9:09 PM

    @John Flanagan: your spelling and grammar is atrocious. Say it again in English please. Eejit.

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    Mute John Flanagan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:00 PM

    @michael hamilton: Ohh so sorry sir. It was not my intention to upset the teacher. Ohh and yes your are an obnoxious little stick. . And by the way muppit I am far from an eejit.you must be very bored on a Easter Saturday. Don’t you dare get personel with me. Now pick the grammar out of that.

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    Mute Alan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:13 PM

    @John Flanagan: personel is an incorrect spelling?

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    Mute John Flanagan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:15 PM

    @Alan: ohhhhh god another one

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    Mute TheGood Feign
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:22 PM

    @John Flanagan: it’s probably his job to know the rules but…..they keep updating the rules. Who’d be a ref in this day and age, I’ve only respect for them. However, I do think this was a decision Munster can feel aggrieved about, two sides to this story.

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    Mute John Flanagan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:24 PM

    @TheGood Feign: yes fair point. Yes it could have big bering on final lge placing.

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    Mute VPQYAPtn
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    Apr 19th 2025, 11:21 PM

    @michael hamilton: *are* atrocious

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    Mute Wood Jackson
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    Apr 20th 2025, 6:01 AM

    @michael hamilton: tosser

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    Mute lesidees
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    Apr 19th 2025, 8:10 PM

    A pretty appalling mistake. But where were his assistants and the tmo?

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    Mute John Flanagan
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    Apr 19th 2025, 8:11 PM

    @lesidees: bang on sir. Where were they indeed

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    Mute FoxyBoiiYT
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    Apr 19th 2025, 8:05 PM

    Literally a professional referee. It’s his job to know the rules, all of them. Disgraceful

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    Mute Sean
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    Apr 19th 2025, 8:11 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: surely it’s up to Munster to communicate to the officials the reason for archer going off? They seemed to take a long time.to.do.so…

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    Mute Lulu
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    Apr 19th 2025, 9:43 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: Come on …. Rugby has Laws not rules !!!

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    Mute TheGood Feign
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    Apr 19th 2025, 10:23 PM

    @FoxyBoiiYT: they keep moving the goalposts on the rules annually. World rugby (not the ref) has a lot to answer for.

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    Mute Lulu
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    Apr 19th 2025, 11:05 PM

    @TheGood Feign: Laws lads rugby has laws not rules!!!

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    Mute Uí Braonáin
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    Apr 21st 2025, 12:01 PM

    @Lulu: such a thoughtless thing to say. Rugby doesn’t change the English language. Rugby, like all sports, have regulations and rules. Whether they’re referred to as ‘laws’ or not doesn’t change the fact that it has rules.

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    Mute Jofus Soap
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    Apr 19th 2025, 8:39 PM

    Some munster players seem unfit. A bit red faced and like as if they’re out of puff.

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