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O'Brien (19'), Clarkson (26'), Penalty Try (39'), Ringrose (41'), Sheehan (57', 69', 77')
Tries
Izuchukwu (35'), Dalton (72')
Frawley (27'), Prendergast (69')
Conversions
Murphy (36', 73')
Penalties
Murphy (8')
The Leinster train keeps on trucking as Leo Cullen’s side cruised beyond an Ulster side that couldn’t capitalise on a stop-start opening half.
Let’s take a look at how the boys in blue did:
1. Jack Boyle – 7
The young loosehead continues to build on his two Ireland caps with another strong game in the number 1 shirt. The former Michael’s man was blamed for the penalty that gave Ulster their first points of the game but it was a mess all night. If involved in Leinster’s knockout games, he’s a Lions bolter for me.
2. Gus McCarthy – 6
He’s growing every game. However this Leinster lineout did not click. It doesn’t lay at his feet but there was definitely a disconnect between the thrower and lineout pods as was picked up on the ref mic.
3. Thomas Clarkson – 7
Took his try very well and it’s this aspect of his game that sets him apart. However, he did struggle with presenting a picture to the referee versus Andrew Warwick, who to his credit is a wiley operator. Loved his backchat with Rob Herring as the scrums were setting.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7
He looks strong and with the amount of changes in the side, he reverted back to his tried and tested game. Strong carries, strong tackles and set a tone up against Ulster’s pack. Seven passes also shows he’s not a one trick pony.
5. Diarmuid Mangan – 6
Just keep giving this guy minutes. It wasn’t his best game and his yellow card was less about his infringement and more of an accumulation of infringements. The straw that broke the camel’s back.
6. Alex Soroka – 8
For me, Soroka is the pick of the lot when it comes to the best of the rest behind Leinster’s starting back row contingent. Soroka’s game can translate to the next level of the game. He’s mean, unapologetic and athletic in the air at lineout time.
7. Scott Penny – 6
15 tackles, 10 carries for 14 metres. It was one of Penny’s quieter games. His trajectory has definitely slowed down this season. He does his job, he does it well. Would love to see him get his hands on the ball close to the try line again.
8. James Culhane – 8
It’s great to see Cullen testing Culhane in different positions. They’re probing for an opening, looking for a gap. They rate his potential, that’s clear to see.
20 tackles, 15 carries and one standout off the base of the lineout in a setpiece move. He has the mindset to keep going until physically brought down. Willing to put his head in places others think twice about as shown in his 54th minute turnover.
9. Luke McGrath – 7
Having one of his best seasons to date. Signed an extension earlier in the year and is a key man in Leinster. His passing was tidy, he tested the pillars at the ruck and is now an important part of keeping Leinster playing like Leinster when Jamison Gibson Park is away.
10. Ciaran Frawley – 5
I’m being tough on Frawley here. This season hasn’t gone to plan, especially off the back of his drop goals in South Africa. He’s getting chances at ten and it’s just not going to plan despite win after win. Such a high bar for him.
11. Jimmy O’Brien – 8
Professional rugby can be a cruel place. He was on the bench versus the All Blacks in a World Cup Quarter Final, and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since but has slipped down the pecking order. However he looked sharp tonight and combined well with his back three.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Nothing wrong, just nothing out of this world and that’s what he needs if he’s to keep Jordie Barett out of the starting team. Made a lot of hard metres, tackled well but didn’t look a cut above. The Lions tour is coming up Robbie, takeover the game!
13. Garry Ringrose – 8
Tap tackle on Jacob Stockdale was my pick of the lot. Would be interested to see how that’s measured in the stats. Finished his try well and forces opposition into tougher areas of the pitch. Just keep going Garry.
14. Tommy O’Brien –9
Speed, speed and more speed. Tommy O’Brien has looked ready for the next level for some time now but has been so unlucky with injuries. Took a nasty knock in the opening minutes but showed his metal by playing on. His vision to kick cross field for Sheehan’s try was incredible. Are we not always calling for more creativity from our Irish “system” players. Well here you go!
15. Jamie Osborne – 5
At fullback, he’s like a key that fits in the lock but doesn’t turn. And as I write this I realise how brilliant a comparison that is because Osbourne literally struggles with turning. His whole body is built for squaring up, taking contact and passing close to the line. Hung around the ruck looking for pop off passes but it never flowed. Appreciate Cullen is trying to get him involved but let’s give him a shot in the centres.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Dan Sheehan – 10
Sheehan is one of one. We actually don’t have the words or the terminology to come up with a position for him. Leinster’s attack coach Tyler Blyendal is doing an excellent job of putting Sheehan in positions where his attributes flourish.
17. Andrew Porter – 8
He hasn’t a note in his head but a damn fine rugby player. What would he even do with a weekend off?
18. Tadhg Furlong – 6
Furlong just needs to not get injured. Cullen is building his minutes up slowly but surely.
19. RG Snyman – 6.5
Came on and came off again. Leinster can’t afford to lose him now. His offloading game has changed the gameplan.
20. Max Deegan – N/A
We’ll be nice and say didn’t play long enough to rate, although he’s credited for missing a tackle.
21. Fintan Gunne – 7.5
The most exciting scrumhalf to come out of Leinster’s academy in quite some time. Nice involvement for Sheehan’s third try.
22. Sam Prendergast – 5
Kept Ulster pinned back.
23. Liam Turner – NA
Not on long enough to give a score
