Leinster saw off a spirited Bayonne on Saturday, beating the French side 13-22 to top their pool in the Investec Champions Cup.
Here’s how we rated the Leinster players:
Backs
15 Jimmy O’Brien: It was a thrilling performance from the Irish international, which included an incredible offload for a Dan Sheehan try. He threatened each time he received the ball, beating three defenders and making a chart-topping 93 metres. On one occasion, even after dropping the ball backwards, he showed great attacking flair to streak through the centre of the field. It wasn’t all positive, however. He was turned over on four separate occasions – double that of any other Leinster player, and at one stage knocked the ball on for what should have been a certain try. 7
14 Tommy O’Brien: Like his namesake, he failed to keep hold of the ball, losing it twice while in possession. He did, however, make an assist, and was unlucky not to latch onto a Harry Byrne’s cross-kick. Could have involved himself more, but off injured early in the second half. 5
13 Garry Ringrose: The experience centre was used plenty in the first half an hour, making numerous carries to the gainline, but failed to make the sort of impact he’d have liked. 6
12 Robbie Henshaw: Made plenty of carries, but did very little with them. Will be feeling sore in the morning after being flattened by the Bayonne number three in the tackle. Brought off injured before the end of the first half. 5
11 Joshua Kenny: Showed great initiative to slice the Bayonne defence open early into the match, but showed his inexperience in the same move by throwing the ball into touch as he looked for his outside man. Also failed to collect a Byrne cross-kick to the corner, allowing the ball to slip out of his grasp. Lots of excitement displayed by the young winger, but the basics just weren’t strong enough in this match. With a chart-topping 96 metres made, he’s certainly a talent for the future. 7
10 Harry Byrne: The younger brother of Ross Byrne was very assured in his performance. Chosen ahead of the hyped up Sam Prendergast, Byrne controlled proceedings calmly. He delivered clever kicks all over the park, which put Bayonne firmly on the back foot, even if they didn’t all come off. He also showed great physicality, taking the ball into contact more than a normal ten. 7
9 Jamison Gibson-Park: You know what you’re going to get with Gibson-Park. He provided quick ball from the ruck throughout, was the force behind many of the Leinster attacks, and worked well with forwards and backs alike. Uncharacteristically lost the ball a couple of times, however, with one pass even flying over the heads of all his teammates and landing in touch. 7
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Forwards
8 Caelan Doris: The Ireland captain was top of the charts for both carries and tackles. He led from the front and left nothing on the field. 8
7 Josh van der Flier: Came into his own in the second half after a rather inconspicuous first half. The former World Rugby Player of the Year was huge in the contact area, helping to drag his side back into the game as the changes were rung. 6
6 Max Deegan: Missed a couple of tackles, including one that almost led to a try, but he redeemed himself by smashing the opposition into touch. His workrate was phenomenal, and he was rewarded with the all-important try to take Leinster beyond one score and see off the clock. Imperious in the lineout. 7
5 James Ryan: Terrific in the lineout. Not just solid in his own, but devastating against the head. He made his tackles, but it was his work in the set piece that set him apart. 7
4 RG Snyman: Came into the game during the second half after a noticeably absent first 40. Once the giant South African was activated, the French side needed to put two men in the tackle to take him down. 6
3 Tadhg Furlong: Taken off early in the match due to a tight calf. Was solid prior to this. 6
2 Ronan Kelleher: Missed a couple of tackles, but not for a lack of trying. Split the Bayonne line open with a brilliant dummy pass, which for one moment felt like he might go all the way. 6
1 Jack Boyle: Scrummed well, put his body on the line in the tackle, and wasn’t afraid of carrying the ball into contact. 6
Replacements: After coming on for Furlong early doors, Thomas Clarkson looked to have scored a try, but it was ruled out after being judged for a double movement. Prendergast seemed to be well off the pace when he arrived, giving the ball away and running laterally, but soon redeemed himself, putting a decent kick for O’Brien’s disallowed try and later collecting a Byrne chip to score. Rieko Ioane had a mixed bag, making the odd forceful run, but also made an uncharacteristic knock on as the Leinster attack got into the danger zone. Sheehan scored a try after running a great support line, and Joe McCarthy’s giant frame was vital to the Leinster resurgence. 8