Ratings: Ryan Baird and pack shine as Leinster deliver URC title

RTÉ News​

20 hours ago

Leinster ended an almost four-year search for a trophy with a brilliant 32-7 victory over the Bulls in the BKT URC final at Croke Park.
Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett, Josh van der Flier and Fintan Gunne scored the tries, while out-halves Sam Prendergast (10) and Ross Byrne (2) contributed points off the tee.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Jimmy O'Brien - 7.5
Solid at the back and countered cleverly as well. Exactly what Leinster needed in the absence of Hugo Keenan. Linked well with his wingers and centres. Outplayed the vastly more experienced Willie le Roux.
14. Tommy O'Brien - 7.5
Brilliant reward for a player who has been so unlucky with injuries. Justified his starting place and worked hard all day. Didn't get a clear chance with ball in hand but defended well.
13. Garry Ringrose. 7.5
Excellent defensive showing from the Ireland centre as the Leinster blitz defence showed its teeth again. Totally outplayed his opposite number and made his tackles as required.
12. Jordie Barrett - 8.5
Calm and poised throughout, the All Blacks centre signs off with a try and winners medal. Did superbly for his score, hacking on and winning a race against his team-mate, Tommy O'Brien, to raise the roof at Croke Park.
11. James Lowe – 8
Unusually, didn't get a score at GAA HQ but used his boot to good effect all day. Dealt with opposition kicks well and linked well with the backline without ever breaking clear of the defence.
10. Sam Pendergast – 8.5
Brilliantly measured performance from the young out-half, who kicked well in defence and attack. His 50:22 paved the way for their third. Contributed 10 points off the tee. Came into the game under pressure and delivered on the big stage.
9. Luke McGrath – 8
A late call-up for the injured Jamison Gibson-Park, McGrath made light of the Lions back's absence. His box-kicks were mostly on the money and he avoided all trouble at the breakdown. Clever and well executed kick for Barrett's try.
1. Andrew Porter – 8
Was penalised a couple of times at the scrum, which he debated but was part of a Leinster pack that dominated their vaunted opponents. Played all but the last five minutes.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8
Excellent display from the hooker even if it came without a trademark try. Was superb out of touch and always in the mix in the loose. He'll start the Lions Tests.
3. Thomas Clarkson – 8
Leinster have not missed Tadhg Furlong as much as would have been expected and that's largely down to Clarkson. Was really up for the physical battle.
4. Joe McCarthy – 8.5
More South African than the South Africans themselves? Never shirked in the tackle or carry all day; made gain line and pushed the Bulls back when they wandered into his field.
5. James Ryan – 8
Absolutely relished the physical battle with the visitors, carried with purpose and put his body on the line time after time. Made way for RG Snyman just two minutes into the second half.
6. Ryan Baird – 9
Named player of the match for the second week running and fully deserved the merit. Was on it from the start, attacking with purpose, beating three defenders, and tackled with venom. Excellent in the lineout. Will be looking forward to the Ireland tour this summer.
7. Josh van der Flier – 8.5
Another man of the match contender, the Lions flanker carried well and tackled his heart out. Picked the perfect time shear off for Leinster's third try.
8. Jack Conan – 8.5
Another who produced a performance fitting of a final, full of energy and frustration from recent disappointments and criticism. Took the opening score well and made eight successful carries, more than twice the next best. Top tackler with 15.
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 56) – 7
Came on to see out the game and did all that was required.
18. Rabah Slimani (for Clarkson 56) – 7
Solid outing and Leinster lost nothing on his arrival.
19. RG Snyman (for Ryan 42) – 8
Came on to add impetus to attack in the second half and delivered his usual array of offloads, carries and lineout nous.
Not on long enough to rate
17. Jack Boyle (for Porter 75)
20. Max Deegan for (Conan 75)
21. Fintan Gunne (for McGrath 69) - scored an excellent try.
22. Ross Byrne (for Prendergast 69)
23. Jamie Osborne (for Ringrose 75)