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The 42
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
'It shouldn't be a drudge' - Cullen urges Leinster supporters to turn out for semi-final
RELIEF SEEMED TO be the overriding emotion for Leo Cullen after he watched his Leinster team overcome Scarlets 33-21 in their URC quarter-final today. It was far from a convincing performance at the Aviva Stadium, with the province looking nervy as their attack struggled for cohesion and their defence was breached three times by a spirited Scarlets side. After starting strong, moving into a 12-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes, Leinster's play became increasingly scrappy. They led 15-14 at half-time before a somewhat more comfortable second 40 saw them pull clear to win by 12 points. Cullen was clearly pleased to come out on the right side of the result but could not hide his frustrations around elements of the occasion. While he made a point of thanking the Leinster support for turning out to get behind the team, a low attendance of less than 13,000 seemed to be something of a sore point, as he called for supporters to come out in numbers for next Saturday's semi-final meeting with Glasgow Warriors. 'Overall we are pleased to get through, we will just build a plan now for next week and recover well. We're into June rugby, the season goes on,' Cullen said. The big thing for us is support and genuine excitement. It shouldn't be a drudge, it should be like 'This is amazing, we are in a semi-final, we are getting ready, we are playing the current reigning champions.' 'We know it's going to be hard. Last year they won a home quarter-final and came away to Munster to win an away semi-final before they went to South Africa to win an away final. If you're putting yourself in Glasgow's shoes, what are they like? They're relishing the opportunity to come here, but we need to be relishing the opportunity of playing in front of our home fans. This time last year we were scrambling around trying to book flights to South Africa. 'Like it's great to be in a semifinal again, but we take nothing for granted,' he continued, referencing his side's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. Advertisement 'Again, going back to the semi-final we've already lost, like, people were looking ahead. Everyone's looking ahead. Everyone is, supporters, staff were trying to look too far ahead. So it was a real harsh lesson for us, but (it's about) making sure we learn from that. So be excited now.' Sam Prendergast had a mixed game. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO Cullen also stressed the need to support young players like Sam Prendergast, who has been under huge scrutiny all season as he stepped up to be Leinster and Ireland's first-choice out-half. Prendergast had a mixed game against Scarlets – delivering a sharp pass in the lead-up to James Lowe's opening try and one superb chip kick assist for Jamie Osborne, but adding errors both in possession and defence. His spilled pass as Leinster pushed for their third try at the end of the first half saw the Scarlets go end-to-end to score, leaving it a one-point game at the interval. Cullen urged supporters to continue to back the young out-half, before turning his attention back to getting a big crowd in for the Glasgow game. Sam is a young player and listen, he had some unbelievable moments in the game today. It's not to hype somebody up to the point where we're unrealistic in our expectations. So you have a young player, just gone 22 recently, and we need to support these guys. 'The guys come through the system in Leinster, and there's patience and being realistic about what young men can do. And for us it's just, we want to try and nurture talents, and most of the guys come through the system here, a few guys add as well, like Jordie [Barrett], a big influence, having the likes of RG [Snyman] coming off the bench. Rabah [Slimani], the experience he has as well. 'But for the most part it's guys that come through, Academy players that have progressed through the senior team and again, hopefully we have support to come out again in the semi-final. 'And I know we ask a lot of supporters over the course of the season, but let's make it a special occasion, a semi-final, let's be better than we were in the last semi-final. That's our job. Coaches, making sure we have a good plan there this week, but be genuinely excited by the challenge of it. 'We're up against the URC champions who came to Ireland last year to win their semi-final. Obviously we were in Pretoria watching it after we lost our game. So, yeah, dust ourselves off now and let's go again.'
The 42
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Leinster take their time to see off Scarlets in scrappy quarter-final
Leinster 33 Scarlets 21 AS KICK-OFF APPROACHED at Aviva Stadium this URC quarter-final was struggling to generate a big-match feel. By the time full time arrived, Leinster were simply happy to have come through what threatened to become an uncomfortable afternoon. Leinster are back in the URC semi-finals thanks to a four-try win – the Leinster tries coming from James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jamie Osborne and Hugo Keenan – but Scarlets had their say in this strange, often scrappy last eight clash. The streets surrounding the Aviva Stadium were unusually quiet in the hours before kick-off and in the early stages the contest itself almost had a pre-season feel to it. The official attendance was 12,879 – not a shockingly low number, but certainly one that got lost inside an almost 52,000 capacity stadium. The reasons were multiple – a Bank Holiday weekend, a limited DART service, the widely-held expectation that this would be plain sailing for Leinster. None of which really matters, the bottom line being Leinster booked their passage into next weekend's semi-finals and can look forward to a home clash with Glasgow Warriors. Initially, this game had looked to be heading toward a comprehensive Leinster win. The opening 10 minutes was all Leinster, and in that time they struck for two tries from Lowe and Gibson-Park. Lowe's try, four minutes in, was sharp and accurate and sourced in the winger's booming kick into the Scarlets half. Leinster built territory and Sam Prendergast swung a sweet pass out the back before Keenan and Ryan Baird added touches, surviving a couple of Scarlets' half-blocks, with Lowe going over in an acre of space in the corner. Prendergast's first shot at the posts sailed well wide. Gibson-Park added the second in the ninth minute, benefitting from Jack Conan's linebreak off a short Lowe pass. This time Prendergast tapped over the extra two from close range. It looked ominous for the Scarlets, but the Welsh side held their nerve. Leinster continued to enjoy most of the possession but a cutting edge was missing. After that strong start the province added just one Prendergast penalty across the next 30 minutes. Instead of kicking on, elements of their play broke down – overthrowing a lineout in the Scarlets 22, Prendergast failing to find touch with a free kick. Scarlets were spirited and scrappy and capitalised on the few opportunities that landed in their hands. The first, 20 minutes in, saw the visitors take full advantage of their first meaningful attack – using a lineout to sweep to the left and score through Tom Rogers, the winger released by Sam Costelow's excellent hands. Costelow stepped up to add the conversion as Leinster rued some questionable defending. Their second try arrived on the stroke of half-time, Leinster getting turned from one tryline to the other. Leinster were pumping at the Scarlets line and their third try looked inevitable. Then it all crumbled – Gibson-Park's pass hitting Prendergast but spilling from the out-half's hands. Ellis Mee snapped onto the loose ball and got his boot to it before Osborne could smother the fire. Mee's second kick pushed the ball infront of fullback Blair Murray, who had Jordie Barrett biting at his heels. Murray's two short kicks kept the ball in his control as he arched away from the All Blacks to dive on the ball and score. Advertisement Scarlets' Blair Murray and Leinster's Jordie Barrett chase the ball. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO After a quick TMO check, the grounding was deemed good and Costelow's conversion made it a one-point game at half-time. The teams retreated as the heavens opened, soaking a crowd fully contained within the lower tiers of the ground. The downpour ended as the second half got off a to slow, cagey start. Five minutes in, Prendergast cut Scarlets open by sending a smart chip over the top for Osborne to score, despite a somewhat unconvincing TMO check. Prendergast's conversion moved Leinster eight clear. Scarlets had a chance to hit back immediately – Leinster going off feet, Costelow smacking his shot wide to the right. Leinster kept prodding. Dan Sheehan, sprung from the bench, went rampaging down the wing off a short lineout. After Sheehan bounced a defender Leinster moved the ball right to left, with Osborne sending Lowe hunting in the corner. Lowe was swallowed up by Scarlets but a penalty followed as front-rower Alec Hepburn saw yellow. Leinster went again but the attack broke down as the ball was knocked-on. Jimmy O'Brien is tackled by Sam Costelow. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The pressure was building and moments later Leinster had their fourth, with Sheehan again the catalyst. His charge and block on Archie Hughes put Leinster back on the offensive, with RG Snyman grinding out some extra yards before Prendergast and Barrett combined to send Keenan racing through. Prendergast should have scored the conversion, but for the first time in a long time, Leinster were looking comfortable again, 13 up heading into the final quarter. Both coaches turned to their benches as Prendergast added another penalty. Entering the final 10, Scarlets sparked back into life – Ioan Llyod producing a nice delayed pass, with Vaea Fifita and Marnus van der Merwe using clever hands before Johnny Williams crossed, with Lloyd converting to leave his team chasing a nine-point game. The Scarlets still had hope, but were damaged by the loss of Fifita moments later – the backrower yellow-carded following high contact on Keenan. Prendergast kicked the penalty and Leinster had the finish line in sight. Leinster scorers: Tries: Lowe, Gibson-Park, Osborne, Keenan. Penalties: Prendergast [3/3] Conversion: Prendergasts [2/4] Scarlets scorers: Tries: Rogers, Murray, Williams Penalty: Costelow [0/1] Conversions: Costelow [2/2], Lloyd [1/1]. LEINSTER: Hugo Keenan (Ciarán Frawley, 74) Jimmy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park (Luke McGrath, 66); Andrew Porter (Jack Boyle, 66), Rónan Kelleher (Dan Sheehan, 47), Thomas Clarkson (Rabah Slimani, 58); Joe McCarthy, James Ryan (RG Snyman, 47); Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier (Scott Penny, 29), Jack Conan (capt) (Max Deegan, 67). SCARLETS: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers (Macs Page, 64), Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Ellis Mee; Sam Costelow (Ioan Lloyd, 58), Archie Hughes (Efan Jones, 74); Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias (Marnus van der Merwe, 51), Henry Thomas (Sam Wainwright, 64); Alex Craig (Kemsley Mathias, 57), Sam Lousi; Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt) (Dan Davis, 74), Taine Plumtree. Yellow cards: Alec Hepburn 55, Fifita 73 Attendance: 12,879 Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Off-colour Leinster advance into URC semi-finals with win over Scarlets
Leinster were not at their best but they had enough in the tank to see off Scarlets with a 33-21 victory in the BKT URC quarter-final at the Aviva Stadium. Defending champions Glasgow Warriors are Dublin bound next week after the top seeds capitalised on Alec Hepburn and Vaea Fifita's second-half sin-binnings to win in front of a disappointing crowd of 12,879. Advertisement In their first play-offs appearance since 2018, Scarlets recovered brilliantly from conceding two early tries to only trail 15-14 at half-time. James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park both crossed before Tom Rogers replied from the visitors' first real opportunity. Blair Murray then cancelled out a Sam Prendergast penalty with a cracking counter-attacking try just before the break. However, Leo Cullen's men had the better of the closing half, with Jamie Osborne and player-of-the-match Hugo Keenan contributing tries, and Johnny Williams grabbing Scarlets' only response. Advertisement Lowe gave the hosts a fourth-minute lead, crossing out wide via a couple of partially-blocked passes from Keenan and captain Jack Conan. Lowe's soft hands then sent Conan through a gap, with the latter putting Gibson-Park in under the posts to make it 12-0. However, a 19th-minute lineout was the launchpad for Scarlets' recovery, winger Rogers finishing strongly from a deft Sam Costelow pass. The latter crisply converted. Well-organised defence, including a Joe Roberts turnover penalty, provided more inspiration for the visitors, who had young scrum-half Archie Hughes deputising for the injured Gareth Davies. Advertisement Despite Prendergast's 47-metre penalty, Ellis Mee hacked a dropped Leinster pass back downfield, and the electric Murray expertly dribbled away from Jordie Barrett to make it a one-point game. The Irish province, who lost Josh van der Flier to injury, only had themselves to blame as their decision-making was poor at times. Osborne's timely 45th-minute effort, from a Prendergast chip kick, steadied the ship at 22-14. TMO Andrew McMenemy's tight call on the grounding went the centre's way. Scarlets fell further behind by the hour mark, with a Costelow penalty miss following by prop Hepburn's yellow card for not rolling away. Leinster's experienced bench stepped up, a Dan Sheehan charge-down eventually leading to Keenan slaloming over from a Barrett assist. Williams reduced the arrears to 30-21 in the 70th minute, darting over after lovely work in the build-up from Fifita and Marnus van der Merwe. Fifita's subsequent yellow for a high tackle on Keenan was a killer blow though, and Prendergast clipped over the clinching penalty.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Leinster skipper Jack Conan admits it was a patchy win over Scarlets
Leinster skipper Jack Conan accepted his side had been less than fluid against Scarlets in the URC quarter-final. Leinster had scored four tries, James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jamie Osborne and Hugo Keenan crossed for tries while there were a further three penalties providing points. But each time they had threatened to pull clear the gremlins got in and Scarlets managed to keep in touch. "We were good in parts," said Conan of the 12-point, 33-21 win, that was maybe closer than expected by most beforehand. "Our discipline killed us, we gave them a lot of soft penalties. To be fair to Scarlets they stuck at it and battled hard, they're a team with a lot of passion and they pushed us at times. "We were inaccurate and forced things a little bit. It's good to have another week but there were some frustrating bits there. "Lads want to have big moments They want to feel like they're doing well, but sometimes there's a bit of over-eagerness and over-zealousness. "You force things a little bit and get away with things although I thought Hollie [Davidson] was on the money today. I don't think it's anything other than lads trying a bit too hard." Leinster move on to meet Glasgow Warriors in the URC semi-final having smashed the same opposition 52-0 in the Champions Cup quarter-final on April 11 and then beating then 13-7 in the last round of the URC-proper on May 17. Continued Conan: "It's strange when you've played a team twice in the past six weeks so it helps with the prep because you know what they're going to do to a degree. "But it's a little bit different every time you come up against a team. I don't think we were great the last time we played them, we had a good win in Europe, but they had lads coming back in so it'll be a tough test for us." Scarlets captain Josh Macleod felt the match was still there to be won after the first 40 minutes, not least as they had managed to close the gap to one point just before the break. "At half-time there was plenty of belief, but I'm extremely proud of the bunch. They're a top group of guys but today we just came up short. "I think we were the only people in the UK with any sort of belief going into today. The media thought it would be a runaway win for them. We didn't and hopefully for large parts of the game we showed that."
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch Leinster vs Scarlets: Live stream 2025 URC quarter-final for FREE
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability subject to change. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images This afternoon's Leinster vs Scarlets live stream serves up a United Rugby Championship quarter-final with shades of David vs Goliath. The top-seeded Irish province is the superclub that has it all, while the plucky Llanelli outfit is the sole bright spark in Welsh rugby. Below we have all the information on how to watch Leinster vs Scarlets from anywhere. Advertisement There's no fixture more menacing than Leinster at Aviva Stadium, but for all of the superstars and finances at Leo Cullen's disposal, there's a narrative building around the club – and it isn't flattering. Much like PSG during the basketcase years, Leinster is becoming a byword for waste. A team with the likes of James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jordie Barrett, Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Joe McCarthy really ought to be dominating not only the United Rugby Championship but Europe. Instead, Leinster last lifted the URC title in 2021, and the Champions Cup in 2018. Scarlets' 35-22 victory over a second-string Leinster last month helped to inspire their playoff push. Skipper Gareth Davies broke the deadlock on that occasion but hasn't been able to recover from a rib injury, though it was flanker Taine Plumtree who ran the show. Dwayne Plumtree's men, however, are up against a very different Leinster today. Here's where to watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams online from anywhere, potentially for FREE. Leinster vs Scarlets team news Leinster team: Hugo Keenan; Jimmy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (c) Advertisement Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Luke McGrath, Ciaran Frawley Scarlets team: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Ellis Mee; Sam Costelow, Archie Hughes; Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (c), Taine Plumtree Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Dan Davis, Jarrod Taylor, Efan Jones, Ioan Lloyd, Macs Page Watch Leinster vs Scarlets for FREE Leinster vs Scarlets is being shown on free-to-air RTE2 and RTE Player in Ireland, and on free-to-air TVNZ+ in New Zealand. Advertisement ABROAD? Use NordVPN to watch your free stream from anywhere How to watch any Leinster vs Scarlets stream using a VPN This is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 70% discount. NordVPN – Save 70% and try risk-free There's a good reason you've heard of NordVPN. We specialize in testing and reviewing VPN services and NordVPN is the one we rate as the best VPN. It's outstanding at unblocking streaming services, it's fast and it has top-level security features too. With over 7,000 servers, across 110+ countries, and at a great price too, it's easy to recommend. Advertisement Get 70% off with this NordVPN dealView Deal How to watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams in the US US flag banner The Leinster vs Scarlets live stream is on FloRugby in the USA. Plans start from $29.99 a month, or you can opt for the $150 annual subscription. On vacation outside the US? Use a VPN to watch FloRugby from abroad while you're away from home. How to watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams in the UK Credit: Future In the UK, Leinster vs Scarlets is being shown on Premier Sports. A subscription costs £15.99 per month, but if you're willing to commit to a year you'll pay £99.00, which works out at £8.25 each month. Leinster vs Scarlets will be on Premier Sports 1. Advertisement Premier Sports also holds the rights to Top 14 rugby and the NHL. If you're a UK resident but traveling outside the country you can use a VPN to catch the action for on Premier Sports from abroad. How to watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams in Australia Australia flag banner Fans based in Australia can watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams on URC TV. A pass currently costs US$29.99 for the rest of the season. If you're outside Oz at the moment you can use a VPN to watch URC TV from abroad. How to watch Leinster vs Scarlets live streams in Canada Credit: Other Sportsnet is showing the Leinster vs Scarlets game in Canada. You can either watch Sportsnet on TV, or access Sportsnet+ by logging in with your TV provider or taking out a standalone subscription. A Standard subscription costs $24.99/month ($199.99/year), while Premium costs $34.99 ($249.99/year). Advertisement Traveling outside of the Great White North for the big game? Make sure to use a VPN so you don't miss any of the action. Official Leinster vs Scarlets broadcasters by region New Zealand Free-to-air TVNZ+ is live streaming Leinster vs Scarlets in New Zealand. South Africa Leinster vs Scarlets is being shown on SuperSport in South Africa. France Sportall has the rights to the United Rugby Championship in France. Rest of the world The United Rugby Championship playoffs are being shown on URC TV in every country where the competition hasn't been picked up by a broadcaster. Leinster vs Scarlets FAQ Can I watch Leinster vs Scarlets for free? Yes! Viewers in Ireland and New Zealand can watch Leinster vs Scarlets for free, courtesy of free-to-air RTE Player and TVNZ+ respectively. Advertisement Fans away from home can use a VPN to watch the free coverage from abroad. What time is Leinster vs Scarlets? The Leinster vs Scarlets game kicks off at 10am ET / 3pm BST on Saturday, May 31. Can I watch Leinster vs Scarlets on my mobile? Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser. You can also stay up-to-date with all things URC on the official United Rugby Championship social media channels on TikTok (@URC), YouTube (@UnitedRugbyChampionship) and Instagram (@URC). We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
