Leinster player ratings vs Bulls | 2023/24 URC
Leinster player ratings: In a contest that tested Leinster’s mettle, the side found themselves up against the formidable physicality of Jake White’s Bulls.
Here’s how Leinster – who were greatly flattered by the scoreline – fared individually against the robust challenge presented by the Bulls:
1. Cian Healy – 5
Healy found himself in the thick of the fray, his experience tested by the Bulls’ formidable front row. Despite a valiant effort, the South African pack’s power occasionally overshadowed his contributions.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 6.5
Kelleher’s darts and runs into contact highlighted his performance, yet the visitors’ relentless pressure at set-pieces posed a significant challenge, testing his resolve.
3. Michael Alaalatoa – 4
Facing off against the Bulls’ scrummaging might, Alaalatoa struggled badly, getting penalised in the first three scrums. An off day for the usually reliable prop in the face of relentless set-piece pressure.
4. Ross Molony – 7.5
In contrast to the scrums, Molony’s dominance in the lineout was a key attacking platform for Leinster. His contributions were especially notable in Leinster’s catch-and-drive game, where he consistently shone.
5. Joe McCarthy – 7
The young lock showed flashes of brilliance, grappling with the physical demands of the match. His resilience in the face of the Bulls’ brute force was noteworthy, making him one of the better performers in the home pack.
6. Ryan Baird – 7
Had a great personal battle with Elrigh Louw. His athleticism shone through, even as he navigated the physical maze posed by the Bulls. His agility and work rate were highlights in a game that demanded a lot from the back row.
7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5
In a game that tested grit – not least a nasty-looking collision with the posts – van der Flier stood tall, his breakdown work and ball carrying catching the eye.
8. Jack Conan – 8
Conan’s efforts at number eight were tireless, yet the tactical and physical challenge presented by the Bulls limited his usual impact in the first half. Linked up well with his back division, even if he found himself in no-man’s land for Kurtley Arendse’s try. Grew into the match, with his heavy-duty carrying proving vital as South African wills wilted, his 68th-minute try sealing the deal.
9. Luke McGrath – 5
McGrath found the going tough as the South Africans’ defence pressured him into quick decisions, a scenario that stifled his ability to dictate the game’s pace. Clattered himself trying to tackle Kurt-Lee Arendse as the Bok winger scored in the 34th minute, and was yellow-carded for his trouble. Didn’t return.
10. Harry Byrne – 6
His vision and decision-making under pressure helped to unlock the Bulls’ defence on several occasions, once he got to grips with their rush defence. However, unforced errors took the shine off an otherwise solid outing.
11. James Lowe – 7
Lowe’s usually reliable boot was off-mark, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of the usual territorial advantage he provides. His involvement in the match fluctuated, with moments of his characteristic brilliance interspersed with periods where he seemed less engaged. Came alive in the 44th minute, slicing through the Bulls’ defence to score a remarkable try.
12. Jamie Osborne – 7
Osborne’s midfield play was characterized by effective lines of running and deft handling, troubling the Bulls’ defence throughout the match. His partnership in the Henshaw was impressive.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Henshaw’s experience was crucial in Leinster’s midfield battles, yet even he found the Bulls’ defensive line a tough nut to crack. His defensive work was tireless, although opportunities to shine on the attack were scarce.
14. Rob Russell – 6
Russell’s agility and pace in attack were instrumental in creating space and opportunities. His defensive abilities are another matter; getting bounced at one point by the 80kg Arendse and falling off makable tackles shouldn’t be on the menu if he wants to progress.
15. Jordan Larmour – 8
Larmour’s attempt to weave his magic from the back was evident, even when space was at a premium. The Bulls’ coverage did their best but couldn’t stop the fullback from cutting them asunder in the lead-up to van der Flier’s try and was instrumental in the lead up to Milne’s try. Starting to find the form and confidence that typified his early career.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Dan Sheehan – 7.5
Coming off the bench, Sheehan injected energy and dynamism, challenging the Bulls with his physicality and keen sense of the game. His upfield hoof in the 58th minute lifted morale.
17. Michael Milne – 8
Milne’s scoring prowess was on display once again, contributing vital points with another try while also holding his own in the scrums.
18. Tadhg Furlong – 7
Furlong’s entry was a boost, contributing to a theretofore lacklustre Leinster scrum.
19. Jason Jenkins – 6
Jenkins aimed to shore up the lineout and add grunt in the tight exchanges. His efforts were commendable and added some beef to the Leinster forward pack.
20. Caelan Doris – 6
Doris’s versatility and work rate off the bench were crucial. His attempts to disrupt the Bulls’ rhythm showcased his skill set, even in the face of a formidable opponent.
21. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8
After replacing McGrath, who was off for an HIA, Gibson-Park brought a noticeable urgency and directness to the game, his energetic play providing Leinster with a much-needed spark and tempo in their attack.
22. Ross Byrne – 7
Stepping in with a steadier hand than his younger sibling, Byrne’s composed playmaking offered Leinster a reliable guiding force to close the game out.
23. Liam Turner – 7
Coming on for Robbie Henshaw at the 49th minute, Turner made a significant impact, capping his performance with a crucial late try in the 74th minute that highlighted his nose for the line.
Comments on RugbyPass
Great role model.
2 Go to commentsOne significant tell, not a single Waratahs player stopped to whinge to the ref about Finau’s tackle. They got on with playing the game. Great tackle.
8 Go to commentsWouldn’t be a bad move if Ireland pulled into SA with a young side. Particularly in Pretoria. Invaluable experience getting thumped in the bosveld.
59 Go to commentsIreland. The Princess Diana of Rugby. I never cheered so much for a team as i did for the All Blacks in that QF.
59 Go to commentsWill be great to see the Leinster first XV back in action again after their cotton wool time…
1 Go to commentsLooked up Grant Constable on google and reply was doppelgänger for Ben Smith
59 Go to commentsIt is so good that we now all get excited and debate who is best and emotionally get involved. We all back our teams which is great. Up until about 15-20 years ago, NZ was basically on its own, and then Saffa, Aussie and sometimes French and English were there. We now have at least 5-6 really top sides and another 4 who keep improving. This is so healthy. So we should not resort to rubbish comments and unhealthy debate, but rather all be chuffed that the product we watch is not competitive, exciting and often uncertain. It would be so good if World Rugger could find a way to align the rules to professional players as well as spectators. Live rugby games are SO boring as there is SO much down time as we wait for refs and TMOs and whoever else to look at every small event going back endless phases with the hope of eventually find a minute infringement to then decide cancel what was a wonderful try. This is the ultimate cork back in the bottle moment and feels like every balloon is always being popped. Come on- we must be better with the rules.
59 Go to comments“upon leaving said establishment I tripped over a stool knocking some bottles into the air and as I fell I accidently dislodged a police officer’s teaser who was passing by on an unrelated matter there by landing on said taser which caused it to discharge 50,000 watts into me. Out of shock I shouted Ireland are going to win the world cup. Upon waking up I apologised for the distress caused by my Ireland comment. The matter is closed. If you wish to pursue this matter may I remind you what I told Wayne Barnes when he sent me off. I AM A BIG ASS MAN”. Or was it “I AM A BIG ASS, MAN” or was it “I AM A BIG ASSMAN”?
2 Go to commentsThe only championship the Boks hold are: Great value for the incompetence of referees during the RWC Moaning endlessly and champions of spewing utterly ignorant 💩 at all times. Displaying the dangers of a third world education End of.
59 Go to commentsSouth Africa and Rassie do a phenomenal job of treating the 4 years in between World Cups as nothing more than a training exercise to build squad depth. The Six Nations money that keeps Irish rugby afloat is unfortunately too important to allow the same approach, and basic population size means we'll never get close to matching the depth of South Africa, England and France. That being said, Irish rugby is in a relatively good place and slowly improving inch by inch. If the other three provinces can pull the finger out and actually develop some players it'd be even better.
59 Go to commentsGood on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
59 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to commentsThe Irish are tired and the Boks are old. The test series won't confirm who is best in the world, it will confirm which team needs to pursue the task of rebuilding with the most urgency.
59 Go to commentsGrant, the first time I have seen an article written by you. Maybe I have missed your previous stuff. These days all professional players effectively play a common season so all top players are equally tired, or rested. That is the job of the coaching ticket to build squad depth and juggle resources so players are ‘ fresh’ when the big games come. Possibly Ireland are less inclined to juggle squad compared to Rassie, who is prepared to take the risk to rest players as well as build depth throughout the year so come WC he has a full squad, experienced and rested enough to win 7 games. After all, to win WC you need to get through the tournament and then win the final big 3 games. Ireland should try and build a bit so come final 3 they are ready. So far only played final 1(QF). I am so looking forward to the Irish tour. Hopefully Rassie has enough time to align his guys, as he draws them from across the globe, and not from 2 sides locally( eg Leinster, Munster). No excuses, going to be exciting.
59 Go to commentsIn football, teams get fined and sometimes docked points for deliberately fielding weakened teams yet Leinster can pretty much do as they please with no comebacks. Could it be because Ireland run the URC? Could it be that Ireland run the ERC? Whichever it is, it stinks!!
6 Go to commentsIreland are only the People’s Champions in Irish eyes. The rest of the world do not care for them very much because of attitudes of people like Gordon, Ferris, Best, Jackman…I could go on!!
59 Go to commentsNot sure how Karl Dickson can ever ref a Quins game, he played for the club for 8 years as understudy to Care and is still close friends with half the team
3 Go to commentsAre bookies taking bets on how many times Vunipola's eventual statement will use the term “elders"? My money is on at least 4 times.
4 Go to commentsSo Ireland will be tired, despite having the most rested test squad in the world. They only play tests, champions cup and urc play off games ffs! Case in point; Leinster sent a B squad to SA for their last two games while their first xv rested up and trained at their leisure for the sf vs Saints at the so called ‘neutral venue’ of Croke Park. So tired? Do me a favour… And as for “people’s champions”? Seriously??? Outside of Ireland they are respected for their ability to win 6N. And of course plenty of inconsequential test friendlies without any real pressure. WC ko games when the pressure is white hot? Not so much…
59 Go to comments