5 days ago
Leinster player ratings as they labour to victory over Scarlets in quarter-final
Leinster didn't have it all their own way against Scarlets in the URC quarter-final in The Aviva.
While there were long periods when they dominant this was mixed with a number of occasions where standards dipped.
Hugo Keenan was TV Man of the Match although he was pushed closely by Jamison Gibson-Park while Dan Sheehan, despite only coming in for the last half-hour, was particularly noticeable.
Hugo Keenan - The type of scrappy game where the full-back's dependability is worth extra. Solid under the high ball, reliable and in the right place in defence. Took his try well. 8
Jimmy O'Brien - Had an uncomfortable day earning his 100th cap as the defensive line looked stretched at times and the Tom Rogers try was the result of a certain amount of confusion. 6
Jamie Osborne - Credit here, starting his first game at second-centre this season. He has been full-back, right-wing, first-centre and left-wing but not no13. A try for his troubles too. 6
Jordie Barrett - Struggled to find his normally excellent rhythm possibly allowing a bit for the idea Jamie Osborne doesn't normally play no13 and making sure their partnership gelled. 6
James Lowe - Constantly available, looking for work. Kept his nerve to stay wide and get the first try. Made a number of hard breaks down his line and was unlucky not to have a spectacular 50/22. 7
Sam Prendergast - Solid, even with Scarlets trying to work through his defensive channel. Won't look forward to review, seeing his half-time flap at the ball that cost Leinster a try. 6
Jamison Gibson-Park - Best player on the pitch through the first-half, pace on everything, ruck arrivals, passing, running. Superb tracking line for his try, the second of the game. 7
Andrew Porter - Highly visible about the park in the first-half exchanges, his energy was part of the reason Leinster gained the upper hand in the first half-hour. Solid in scrum. 7
Rónan Kelleher - Given the nod ahead of Sheehan in part because of his scrummaging excellence and the scrum held firm. Sheehan's introduction gave Leinster a bit extra about the field in attack. 6
Thomas Clarkson - There were worries Scarlets might gain some kind of advantage at scrum-time on the back of their doing so well in the last game but the Leinster tighthead held firm. 6
Joe McCarthy - Clearly up for the game from the get-go, throwing his weight around to mighty effect, his rangy running was probably the most dangerous ground-making threat in the pack. 7
James Ryan - Rumbled about the pitch before being called ashore after 46 minutes, replaced by RG Snyman who was in the wars and pumping blood necessitating his removal before the close. 6
Ryan Baird - Athletic, confrontational, staying wide at times looking for ball in space. Scarlets found him hard to knock over and he is an interesting addition to the Blues attack. 6
Josh van der Flier- Came ashore early having tweaked something trying to defend Scarlets' first try. Came from the field and immediately sat on the bench. Replaced by a busy Scott Penny. n/a
Jack Conan - Key part of Leinster's first two tries, good positioning and good hands working in Leinster's favour. Was quick to let Prendergast kick penalties, three taken and worth nine points. 7Replacements: Dan Sheehan 8, Jack Boyle 6, Rabah Slimani 6, RG Snyman 6, Max Deegan 6, Scott Penny 6, Luke McGrath 6, Ciarán Frawley n/a
