Leinster came through their Investec Champions Cup quarter-final match against Sale Sharks on Saturday, winning 43-13 to progress to the semi-finals.
Here are our Leinster player ratings.
Backs
15 Hugo Keenan: When the entire game plan is designed around testing the opposition under the high ball, maybe make sure beforehand that the recipient isn’t a British and Irish Test Lion. He was fantastic throughout, dealing with every spiral bomb, crossfield kick, chip, grubber – you name it, Keenan diffused it. He made all the right decisions with ball in hand, too, as he proved just why he’s renowned as one of the best fullbacks in world rugby. Well deserving of his try. 9
14 Tommy O’Brien: Made a brilliant turnover on the floor early doors, and then showed excellent pace to make a break shortly after. Quiet in the second half, right up until he called for a chip over the top to touch down for Leinster’s fifth try. 7
13 Garry Ringrose: Was a key part of Leinster’s attack and was key in setting up Keenan’s try. In defence he was quiet, but did make a vital tackle in the midfield when Sale attempted a strike play down his channel. 7
12 Jamie Osborne: Showed great pace to touch down for Leinster’s final try, and was the important link player in their attack, while topping the table for tackles made – although he did miss three. 6
11 Rieko Ioane: The All Black star received plenty of ball in space, which suited him more as the game went on. He’s not exactly lit the Leinster side alight since arriving from New Zealand, but looked a lot more comfortable out there in the second half, and was well rewarded with yet another try. For all his excellence, he was turned over a couple of times, however. 6
10 Harry Byrne: Once again, Byrne made some brilliant passing decisions, most notably the cut-out pass that led to Keenan’s try. He read the game superbly, showing quick thinking and a variety of kicking that brought his teammates into the game. Defensively, however, he showed serious weakness, missing an awful five tackles. 6
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: It was a trademark performance from the Ireland international, playing quickly off the base of the ruck and looking to bring his forwards into the game with clever close passes. 6
Forwards
8 Jack Conan: A bruising performance, he was a key man on attack and did brilliantly to straighten up and hold the pass for Baird’s try. 7
7 Josh van der Flier: Criminally allowed a Sale player to break through the line in the first half, which resulted in a 50-metre gain for Sale. He later threw an awful pass to the shins of his teammates as they were on the attack, and then knocked the ball on as he looked to profit down the wing – although that was eventually called back for a Leinster penalty. Taken off early into the second half with an injury. 3
6 Ryan Baird: Showed great composure to pass the ball back inside to Keenan for his try, and later displayed terrific pace to score his own try on the other flank. Did a solid job in the lineout as well to reinforce his position as an all-round flanker. Did concede a couple of penalties, though. 7
5 James Ryan: Performed well in the lineout and carried a few times, although failed to make much in the way of yardage. Did his job, but nothing more. 5
4 Joe McCarthy: Barely seen in defence, but in attack, he was regularly on the ball, beating four defenders as his rangy running style caused havoc in the Sale defence. Was widely used in the lineout too. 7
3 Tadhg Furlong: Didn’t get to show his talents in the scrum so much, but provided a key link in the Leinster attacking shape, often used to put those around him in space. Otherwise, it was a very quiet game for the vastly experienced Irish international. 5
2 Dan Sheehan: A truly wonderful display by a man who can play anywhere in the forward pack – or the backs, for that matter. He was constantly looking for the ball, making 123 metres from 12 carries, beating six defenders in the process – including a remarkable break in the final play which led to Jamie Osborne’s try. 9
1 Alex Usanov: Off after three minutes with an injury after being destroyed in the opening scrum. N/A
Replacements: Max Deegan arrived on the field early for a stint and provided a key lineout display. The scrum struggled early on, but regained its structure with the arrival of Jerry Cahir, who was also terrific in defence. As a whole, they added much-needed pace and energy against a tired Sale side. 7