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Leinster player ratings vs Bordeaux | 2026 Investec Champions Cup Final
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Leinster player ratings: The four-time champs versus the reigning champs – but this ended up something of a mismatch for Leo Cullen’s men.
While it was as hot as the 32 degrees that afflicted the Challenge Cup, the heat in the stadium was hovering around a blistering 29 when things kicked off at the San Mamés Stadium, before hitting 30 at halftime. It all proved too much for the men wearing white and yellow, as their efforts melted rapidly in under the Spanish sun, with Union Bordeaux Bègles running out comfortable 41-19 winners.
Indeed, it’s hard to recall a Leinster side ever being put to the sword in this manner in the professional era. Here’s how we rated the Leinster players:
VIDEO
15. Hugo Keenan – 3.5
Weird to think he’s only played six games all season, but he did enough to keep excellent Jimmy O’Brien out of the 23. Got off to the worst possible start here, with an uncharacteristic knock-on under no direct pressure with just a minute on the clock. An unfortunate glancing touch on a charge down saw UBB get a lineout in Leinster’s 22 and they went to score. Then fell foul to LBB as the Frenchman stepped on his way to his second 5-pointer. Everything that could go wrong for Keenan did go wrong.
14. Tommy O’Brien – 6
Chased kicks bravely in the chaotic opening exchanges and got on the end of a persistent phase of Leinster play to score in the corner. Was on the wrong side of several turnovers, though, and duffed a poor kick straight in Jalibert’s hands, which sent Leinster back 40 metres. Threw an intercept pass on 49 minutes, but Leinster were in desperation stakes by that stage.
13. Garry Ringrose – 5.5
One of seven survivors from 2018, Ringrose formed the very same partnership with Robbie Henshaw once again. Had a few wobbles at the start, but eventually played himself into the contest, somewhat. The fact that opposite number Damien Penaud ran wild at times tells its own story, although he did bag a late consolation try.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 4
Part of a midfield that struggled to find any rhythm in the Bilbao heat – although truth be told, it’s been fits and starts this season in terms of attacking flow. Was manhandled at times by Yoram Moefana and, sadly, is starting to look plodding in attack. A midfield shake-up for Leinster is overdue, as it’s an area that hasn’t looked good since Jordie Barrett left.
11. Rieko Ioane – 6.5
Back on the wing, a position that he looked more comfortable at in Leinster colours. Couldn’t fight his way into the game until the second half, a 30 metre break after an initial unforced stumble being his highlight. Beat four defenders, which was good going in the context of this Leinster horror show.
10. Harry Byrne – 4
Somehow did enough to stop Cameron Woki’s freaky corner flag finish, although he had a little bit of help from the TMO. There was a wry smile when he overcooked a restart on 14 minutes. In kick tennis terms, this was 6-0, 6-0 to UBB and his intercepted pass on 40 minutes effectively saw this game wrapped up before the break. Replaced on 44 minutes.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 6
Kicked well from the base as Leinster looked to settle after a rocky opening and probed the edges, by-passing UBB’s defence apart with a perfectly weighted pass as Leinster opened their account. Got caught flat-footed by LBB cutting inside him on 21 minutes. Left in the shade by Lucu on this occasion.
1. Andrew Porter – 6
A mighty task against the 138kg of Carlu Sadie and tellingly, you could see him trying to negotiate during the water break with Karl Dickson as Leinster’s scrum started to back-peddle. Clarkson’s side was certainly more problematic than his.
2. Dan Sheehan – 5
Played a part in one early botched lineout but the Irish side seemed to iron out that set-piece until another lineout on 26 minutes failed to materialise on Bordeaux’s line. Did plenty of loitering on the wing, to little effect.
3. Tom Clarkson – 4
Put to the test by Jefferson Poirot and his scrummaging creaked, with Karl Dickson doing him no favours as the pressure came on. Leinster and, indeed, Ireland’s scrum malaise continues.
4. Joe McCarthy – 8
Came into this game in frighteningly good form and did his best to bludgeon his way forward – and did have some success in this area. Got illegally collared by Lucu, and the Frenchman was sin-binned. Dived over on 44 minutes from close range, refusing to give up the fight.
5. James Ryan – 5
Tackled his guts out to be fair. Must take a share of the blame, along with Sheehan, for the lottery that was Leinster’s lineout. Took a brain-rot headbutt to his midriff from Ugo Boniface on 72 minutes.
6. Jack Conan – 4.5
In the trenches, but he too fell victim to the conditions, blundering a pass with UBB’s line beckoning and generally looking worse for wear in the heat. Cut a forlorn figure at times.
7. Josh van der Flier – 5
Carried gamely and made at least one try-saving tackle and menaced Bordeaux at the breakdown, although he fell foul of the greasy ball on occasion. Outshone by the superb Cameron Woki. Fell off a few too many tackles.
8. Caelan Doris – 6
Managed to average about four metres a carry, with the Irish outfit looking their best when playing a narrow, one-and-done. Leinster needed a few massive moments from their captain, but they never came.
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher – 6
The set-piece didn’t get any worse, which, while not saying a great deal, was a bit of a mini victory for Kelleher and co.
17. Paddy McCarthy – 6
Returned to the bench for his first appearance since the win over La Rochelle in January. Brought on at 62 minutes for Porter.
18. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5
Credit where it’s due, Leinster scrum looked a lot better after Furlong came on for Clarkson. Context is everything, but he couldn’t have done very much more.
19. Diarmuid Mangan – NA
Not on long enough to rate.
20. Max Deegan – 6
Came on for Conan with the contest more or less a face-saving exercise for Leinster. Made a decent charge up the field as the game drew to a close.
21. Luke McGrath – NA
McGrath started for Leinster the last time they won the Champions Cup in the same city back in 2018. Limited to a bit-part role here and not one long enough to rate.
22. Ciaran Frawley – 8
Brought a directness that was lacking with Byrne. The Connacht-bound Frawley may well be Leinster’s best 10 at the moment. They look a better proposition with him pulling the strings.
23. Jamie Osborne – 6
Preferred to the equally versatile Jimmy O’Brien, Osborne could do little here but limit Leinster’s losses.
