Player Ratings: Leinster

OPINION: Leinster finally broke their trophy drought with an impressive 32-7 win over the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship Final on Saturday.

Leinster suffered a massive blow when Test scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park was ruled out with an injury on Saturday morning.

Gibson-Park’s setback meant that Luke McGrath started in the No. 9 jersey.

However, that did not deter Leo Cullen’s men.

They were ruthless and started the match off in fine form, racing to a 19-0 lead at the break.

The side dominated all facets of the game before the Bulls tried to instigate a comeback in the second half. The South Africans managed to score a try, but the Irish giants were just too good as they recorded a four-try demolition of the Bulls.

It’s been a long time coming for Leo Cullen’s men, who last won a trophy in 2021 when they clinched the Pro14 title against rivals Munster.

Here is how the Leinster players rated:

15. Jimmy O’Brien
The fullback continued to impress in the absence of Hugo Keenan. He was calm and solid at the back, and provided the spark when needed, with nine carries and 65 metres.
6/10

14. Tommy O’Brien
Despite the wet weather conditions, the wing still managed to deliver an action-packed performance. He was busy on attack and solid in defence. He also performed well under high balls.
6/10

13. Garry Ringrose
An astute figure in defence in the first half, halting the Bulls attack and reading the game well. However was very quiet in the second stanza.
6/10

12. Jordie Barrett
Playing in his final game in Leinster colours, the All Blacks star showed why he will be missed at the Irish giants. He was brilliant under the high ball, made strong carries, and regularly got over the advantage line. He scored an amazing try when he volleyed the ball downfield before diving over.
8/10

11. James Lowe
The wing lives for these types of encounters, and his battle against Canan Moodie added extra spice. As usual, he was fiery, making some impressive runs. He could’ve had a try courtesy of Willie Le Roux’s wayward kick, but failed to hold onto the slippery ball. Nonetheless, it was his boot that made him such a vital component.
7/10

10. Sam Prendergast
It was a mixed bag from the flyhalf. He missed a couple of kicks from the tee, but fortunately for him, it did not impact the outcome of the match. He dictated proceedings well and his big hit on Marco van Staden is a standout.
7/10

9. Luke McGrath
The No. 9 had big shoes to fill after Ireland star Jamison Gibson-Park was ruled out earlier in the day, but he certainly held his own. There were one or two questionable box kicks, but overall, an incredible game. He also set up Barrett’s try with a perfectly executed kick.
8/10

8. Jack Conan (captain)
An absolutely monstrous performance by the captain, and he led by example. He was impressive on both sides of the ball, making 14 tackles and 10 carries. He was the beneficiary of an impressive line-out maul, scoring the team’s first try – which set the tone.
8/10

7. Josh van der Flier
The Irish star returned to the starting XV and put in a strong performance. He was effective at the breakdown and also scored a try.
7.5/10

6. Ryan Baird
The flank continued with his incredible form. He delivered a stunning performance, shifting between the second and back row. He won six line-outs, while he was relentless in defence and dominated the physical battle.
8/10

5. James Ryan
Not as extravagant as his fellow forwards, but the lock did the basics well. He was replaced by RG Snyman in the 42nd minute.
6/10

4. Joe McCarthy
He was a workhorse and was more than happy to get into the thick of things. He made numerous tackles and he put pressure on the Bulls’ line-out. He was also very effective with ball in hand and part of the Leinster engine room that dominated up front.
8.5/10

3. Thomas Clarkson
The prop won the set-piece battle and put in a solid shift. He made a big statement by winning a penalty in the first scrum of the match.
7/10

2. Dan Sheehan
The hooker was good around the park, and his line-out throws were very accurate, giving Leinster an extra weapon in attack.
7/10

1. Andrew Porter
The Irish star had the tough task of overcoming Wilco Louw, who is an incredible scrummager. However, he got one over Louw in the second half. Nonetheless, aside from his scrummaging challenges, the prop delivered a solid performance. He made 12 tackles
7/10

Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher (on for Sheehan, 55th minute)
Stepped onto the field and was immediately called into a scrum, which he successfully won alongside fellow replacement Boyle.
6/10

17. Jack Boyle (on for Clarkson, 55th minute)
Part of a successful scrummaging unit. The prop put in a solid shift.
6/10

18. Rabah Slimani
N/A

19. RG Snyman (on for Ryan, 42nd minute)
The Springbok was impressive. He put in a solid performance, making his signature runs and offloads that were vital in the second half.
7/10

20. Max Deegan (on for Conan, 74th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.

21. Fintan Gunne (on for McGrath, 68th minute)
The young man scored a try. However, not enough time on the field to be rated.

22. Ross Byrne (on for Prendergast, 68th minute)
Not enough time to be rated

23. Jamie Osborne
N/A