Leinster vs Scarlets
Scarlets’ Tom Rogers scores a try
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Tommy McLoughlin – New Ross RFC
Under the lights of the Aviva Stadium, Leinster secured another notch in the win column against a gritty Scarlets side, coming away with a 36-19 bonus-point victory. On paper, it was a job done. However, for the 12,879 fans in attendance, the feeling leaving the ground was one of quiet contemplation rather than jubilant celebration.
A Clinical Win, Not a Classic
Leinster walked away with the points, but the performance felt more like a “day at the office” than the high-octane, flowing rugby we have come to expect. Despite a narrow 12-7 lead at half-time, thanks to scores from Garry Ringrose and Joshua Kenny, the team struggled for consistent rhythm against a Welsh side that refused to fold.
That trademark Leinster “spark” the intuitive offloads and lightning-quick transitions seemed to be missing for large periods. It was a game characterized by stuttering momentum and a stubborn opposition that made Leinster work for every inch of territory.
Porter’s Return Bolsters the Front Row
One of the biggest positives of the night was the return of Andrew Porter. After a period on the sidelines due to injury, the powerhouse loosehead looked sharp from the first whistle. His presence at the scrum settled the Leinster set-piece, and his relentless work in the loose hitting rucks and making hard yards reminded the Aviva crowd exactly what they’ve been missing. Getting him through 45+ minutes of high-intensity rugby is exactly the preparation Leo Cullen would have wanted ahead of the Edinburgh clash.
Tommy O’Brien: The Brightest Light
If there was one man who didn’t get the memo about the lack of spark, it was Tommy O’Brien. Deservedly named Player of the Match, O’Brien was a constant threat, crossing the whitewash twice in the second half to secure the bonus point. His work rate and ability to find gaps provided the few moments of genuine excitement for the home crowd, and his late try-saving tackle on Johnny Williams proved he is just as vital in defense.
Eyes on the Big Prize: Edinburgh Awaits
Perhaps the lack of “fizz” can be attributed to the shadow of what’s coming next. All eyes now turn to next Sunday (Easter Sunday), where the stakes get significantly higher as Leinster face Edinburgh in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16. The fans know that “functional” won’t be enough on the European stage; we’ll need to find that missing gear fast if we want to progress in the competition we prize above all others.
The Verdict
We’ll take the win. Winning when you aren’t at your best is the hallmark of a championship team. The foundations are clearly there, but Leinster fans will be hoping that the “spark” returns just in time for the Investec showdown.
Match Squads
Leinster Rugby:
15. Jimmy O’Brien, 14. Tommy O’Brien, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Jamie Osborne, 11. Joshua Kenny, 10. Harry Byrne, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Brian Deeny, 6. Max Deegan, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (C).
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Jerry Cahir, Rabah Slimani, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Alex Soroka, Fintan Gunne, Sam Prendergast, Robbie Henshaw.
Scarlets:
15. Blair Murray, 14. Tom Rogers, 13. Joe Roberts, 12. Johnny Williams, 11. Ellis Mee, 10. Joe Hawkins, 9. Dane Blacker; 1. Kemsley Mathias, 2. Harry Thomas, 3. Henry Thomas, 4. Sam Lousi, 5. Max Douglas, 6. Jarrod Taylor, 7. Dan Davis, 8. Fletcher Anderson (C).
Replacements: George Roberts, Sam O’Connor, Harri O’Connor, Jake Ball, Tristan Davies, Archie Hughes, Ioan Jones, Macs Page.
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
Half-Time Score: Leinster 12 – 7 Scarlets
Full-Time Score: Leinster 36 – 19 Scarlets
Yellow Cards:
Leinster: Brian Deeny (17’)
Scarlets: Joe Roberts (23’), Jarrod Taylor (28’)
Scorers:
· Leinster: Tries G.Ringrose, J. Kenny (2), T.O’Brien (2), M.Deegan. Cons: H. Byrne (3).
· Scarlets: Tries: J.Roberts, T.Rogers, M.Douglas. Cons J.Hawkins (2).
Keenan photo credit: Billy Stickland/Inpho