Tommy Mc Loughlin – New Ross RFC
Leinster put the disappointment of Bilbao firmly behind them with a commanding 59–10 win over Fidelity SecureDrive Lions in tonight’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium. In front of a modest attendance of 9,493, Leo Cullen’s side delivered the kind of response that was badly needed after last weekend’s defeat to Bordeaux. The late withdrawal of Tadhg Furlong was an unwelcome disruption before kick-off, while the decision to leave Ciarán Frawley out and start Sam Prendergast was always going to attract attention. On the night, Prendergast answered that debate with a fantastic performance, while James Lowe stole a major headline by breaking Leinster’s all-time try-scoring record on his 100th appearance.
Leinster Strike Early And Set The Tone
Leinster did not take long to settle. Dan Sheehan crossed after 10 minutes and Sam Prendergast converted to give the home side the start they wanted. Hugo Keenan then added Leinster’s second try five minutes later, with Prendergast again adding the extras. For a team that needed a lift after Bilbao, it was a sharp and controlled opening. The Lions did not offer enough resistance in those early stages. They looked stretched once Leinster moved the ball with pace, and Leinster’s forwards and backs both found space far too easily. With Tadhg Furlong ruled out late, Thomas Clarkson’s involvement became even more important, although his yellow card before half-time briefly gave the Lions a route back into the match.
Lions Reply But Leinster Finish The Half Strongly
Henco van Wyk got the Lions on the board after 36 minutes, reducing the gap to 14–5 while Leinster were down to 14 men. It was a reminder that the game was not completely finished, even if the overall pattern was already leaning heavily towards Leinster. James Ryan’s try on the stroke of half-time was a key moment. Prendergast converted again and Leinster went in 21–5 ahead. That score gave the home side control of both the scoreboard and the mood of the match. The Lions had their moment, but Leinster had already done enough to make the second half feel like a question of how ruthless they wanted to be.
Prendergast Takes Control After The Break
Leinster came out after the interval with real purpose. Scott Penny crossed early in the second half, although Prendergast was unable to add the conversion. Moments later, Prendergast then intercepted a pass from Chris Smith and ran in for a try of his own, converting it himself to move Leinster further clear and effectively end the contest. For all the discussion before the game around the decision to drop Frawley and start Prendergast, this was exactly the type of performance Leinster needed from their young out-half. His kicking was strong overall, his handling of the game was calm, and his try showed real alertness. Selection debates will not disappear overnight, but on this occasion Prendergast did everything asked of him.
Lowe Makes History As Leinster Finish With A Flourish
The Lions were reduced to 14 men when Quan Horn was shown yellow for a deliberate knock-on, and Leinster made the advantage count. Gus McCarthy scored from close range, Jimmy O’Brien finished in the corner, and then James Lowe moved centre stage. Lowe’s first try brought up his record-breaking 70th try in Leinster colours, moving him ahead as the province’s all-time leading try-scorer. With his contract situation still uncertain and talks reportedly stalled, it was a timely reminder of what he continues to bring to this team. He added another try right at the end to complete a memorable night personally and seal a 59–10 win. The Lions, to be blunt, were very poor, but Leinster still had to do the job properly and they did.
The Verdict
This was the response Leinster needed. After the disappointment of Bilbao, there was always going to be scrutiny on the performance, the selection calls and the attitude of the team. Leinster answered most of those questions with a ruthless quarter-final display. Sam Prendergast deserves real credit. The call to start him ahead of Frawley was controversial, especially after Frawley’s performance in Bilbao, but Prendergast produced a fantastic game and gave Leinster control from out-half. James Lowe’s record-breaking night was the other major story, though the uncertainty around his future will remain a talking point if contract talks continue to stall. The Stormers next weekend will be a much tougher task. Leinster were far too strong for a Lions side that offered little on the night, but the semi-final will demand more again. Still, after the week Leinster had, this was a very good win and a badly needed step forward.
Match Squads
Leinster:
15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Jimmy O’Brien, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jamie Osborne, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Luke McGrath, 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. James Ryan, 6. Max Deegan, 7. Scott Penny, 8. Caelan Doris (C).
Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy, 17. Alex Usanov, 18. Rabah Slimani, 19. Diarmuid Mangan, 20. Josh van der Flier, 21. Jamison Gibson-Park, 22. Harry Byrne, 23. Robbie Henshaw.
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions:
15. Quan Horn, 14. Angelo Davids, 13. Henco van Wyk, 12. Richard Kriel, 11. Erich Cronje, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Nico Steyn, 1. SJ Kotze, 2. PJ Botha, 3. Sebastian Lombard, 4. Reinhard Nothnagel, 5. Darrien Landsberg, 6. Sibabalwe Mahashe, 7. Batho Hlekani, 8. Francke Horn (C).
Replacements: 16. Franco Marais, 17. Edward Davids, 18. RF Schoeman, 19. Ruan Delport, 20. Siba Qoma, 21. JC Pretorius, 22. Rynhardt Jonker, 23. Haaseim Pead.
Match Details
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Sco) Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Attendance: 9,493 Half-Time Score: Leinster 21–5 Fidelity SecureDrive Lions Full-Time Score: Leinster 59–10 Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Match Discipline & Scorers
Cards: Thomas Clarkson (Leinster, 35’ dangerous tackle), Quan Horn (Lions, 54’ deliberate knock-on).
Scorers:
Leinster:
• Tries: Sheehan (10’), Keenan (15’), Ryan (40’), Penny (43’), Prendergast (46’), G McCarthy (55’), O’Brien (64’), Lowe (68’, 80+1’) • Cons: Prendergast (11’, 16’, 40+1’, 47’, 55’, 65’, 69’) • Pens: None
Fidelity SecureDrive Lions:
• Tries: Van Wyk (36’, 57’) • Cons: None • Pens: None
PLAYER OF THE MATCH Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
Next Up
Leinster v DHL Stormers, URC Semi-Final, Saturday June 6th, 5:30pm, Aviva Stadium.