Match Centre: United Rugby Championship: Leinster 34-6 Glasgow Warriors
Jordan Lamour was one of the try scorer for Leinster
©Steve Haag
Leinster 34-6 Glasgow Warriors, Aviva Stadium
Leinster Rugby faced a stern challenge from the Dragons in their BKT United Rugby Championship Round Two clash at the Aviva Stadium, where veteran Cian Healy marked his record 281st cap in style.
Despite the visitors making Leinster work hard for every point, the Irish side secured tries from Jack Conan, Ross Byrne, Max Deegan, Joe McCarthy, Jordan Larmour, and Aitzol King to clinch the win.
The Dragons had to quickly adjust to the late withdrawal of full-back Angus O’Brien, which led to Jared Rosser stepping in at 15 and his brother Ewan filling the left wing position. The reshuffle did little to hinder their early momentum, as they kept Leinster on their toes.
Leinster’s Ross Byrne signaled intent early on with a precise chip that Jimmy O’Brien collected on the run, but the Dragons retaliated by winning a turnover and executing a well-placed 50:22 kick. Gus McCarthy’s breakdown skills and Harry Wilson’s strong running lines helped Leinster regain territory, but Dragons continued to test the home side’s defence.
Dragons came close to a breakthrough when Jared Rosser was brought down by O’Brien just short of the try line. The visitors then suffered a setback when George Nott was forced off the field due to injury. Leinster capitalized on their scrum dominance, with Healy, McCarthy, and Thomas Clarkson winning a penalty at a critical moment.
Jamie Osborne’s pinpoint 50:22 set up an attacking lineout for Leinster, but the opportunity went begging as the referee called obstruction during the ensuing maul.
A determined defensive effort from the Dragons earned them a penalty, but Lloyd Evans was unable to convert it into points.
As the half progressed, another long-range kick from Osborne was countered by the Dragons' energetic response, with James Ryan eventually bringing down a charging Wilson. A head-on-head collision by Chris Coleman on Clarkson earned the Dragons prop a yellow card, giving Leinster a numerical advantage and setting the stage for their first try.
After some sustained pressure, Ross Byrne kept a faltering play alive before slick passing from O’Brien and Charlie Tector put Jack Conan over the line in the 19th minute to open the scoring for Leinster.
A penalty turnover by hooker Brodie Coughlan enabled Evans to slot in three points, but Leinster quickly hit back with a well-executed try by Ross Byrne.
Evans added another three points through a penalty, ensuring the Dragons remained just four points behind at 10-6 by halftime.
Leinster extended their lead early in the second half when player-of-the-match Max Deegan powered over the try line. The score was awarded after TMO Dave Sutherland confirmed it, despite fly-half Evans appearing to get a hand under the ball.
Cian Healy left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 52nd minute, as Leinster brought in experienced Test players like Rabah Slimani, McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, and Harry Byrne—although several Ireland internationals were still watching from the stands.
McCarthy soon capitalized on Leinster’s momentum, driving over for the bonus-point try, followed by Larmour’s fifth try after further confirmation from the TMO. Replacement Aitzol King scored the final of the Leinster's try in the closing stage as they completed a 28 point victory.
Team line up:
Leinster: Jamie Osborne; Jordan Larmour, Liam Turner, Charlie Tector, Jimmy O'Brien; Ross Byrne, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Will Connors, Jack Conan (captain).
Reserves: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Fintan Gunne, Harry Byrne, Aitzol King.
Dragons: Ewan Rosser; Rio Dyer, Harry Wilson, Steff Hughes, Jared Rosser; Lloyd Evans, Dane Blacker; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter (capt), George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Harri Keddie, Shane Lewis-Hughes.
Reserves: Oli Burrows, Rhodri Jones, Luke Yendle, Matthew Screech, George Young, Rhodri Williams, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen.
