In-form scrum-half John Cooney was on the scoresheet once again as he notched 18 points to help Ulster record a convincing 38-17 win against Munster in the Guinness PRO14.
After kicking Ulster’s first points of the match, the 29-year-old – who was part of new Ireland coach Andy Farrell’s 45-man ‘stocktake’ meet-up just before Christmas – then crossed over to score his eighth try of the season while Jacob Stockdale finished off a superb breakaway move to add his name to the scoresheet.
On the opposing side, Ireland fly-half Joey Carbery returned to the Munster team after being sidelined with an ankle injury and despite losing, put in a solid performance to kick seven points.
In the Welsh derby between Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, many internationals ensured they remained in the fray for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations and may well have caught new coach Wayne Pivac’s eye.
Josh Adams and Owen Lane were in try-scoring form for the Blues, but it was in vain as Scarlets ran out 16-14 winners thanks to Leigh Halfpenny’s boot.
The full-back proved invaluable once again, scoring 11 points for his side, while Gareth Davies expertly intercepted a pass to dot down and score their only try of the contest.