Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2023 URC
Leinster player ratings: On a cold and crisp evening in Dublin, Leinster edged a spirited Munster side despite an error-strewn 80 minutes from the hosts.
It was the two sides’ first competitive encounter since Leo Cullen’s men were booted out of last season’s URC at the semi-final stage by the visitors – but revenge proved hard-won here. Relief will likely be the overriding emotion after a victory that owed more to muscle memory than razzle-dazzle. Handling skills and ball security will be high on Leinster’s to-do list after an uncharacteristically profligate outing, even if it was enough to best the men in red.
15. Hugo Keenan – 5
While there was plenty of toil here from Keenan, he was unable to showcase his normally impeccable defensive abilities. Oft Leinster’s Mr Reliable, there were simply too many errors here to to call it a decent shift. In fact, his kicking aside, this may well have been the worst game of Keenan’s career. Was constantly pick-pocketed by Munster jackallers.
14. Jordan Larmour – 6
Larmour – who had fast-finding form – was on the hook here for a number of poor defensive moments. Struggled to catch the ball [he wasn’t the only one] but his brilliant finish in the 66th glossed over an otherwise unremarkable performance.
13. Garry Ringrose – 6
As co-captain, Ringrose tried to lead by example, even if Munster’s midfield had his number for the most. Stayed in the fight and – with the exception of the excellent Frawley – was maybe the least at fault of Leinster’s dysfunctional backline.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 5
Henshaw – back from an injury-plagued Rugby World Cup with Ireland – looked more than a little rusty here. He’ll have to find some form over the Christmas season if he is to break back into Ireland contention.
11. Jimmy O’Brien – 4
O’Brien must have got his winter flu jab because he didn’t catch a thing tonight. Really struggled under the high ball and in the handling department in general, and as a result was unable to impose himself in attack.
10. Ross Byrne – NA
Was replaced by Ciaran Frawley with just eight minutes on the clock, having injured himself trying to tackle Craig Casey.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7.5
Maybe Leinster’s best player, Gibson-Park’s crisp passing and whip-smart decision-making kept the Leinster backline ticking with everything going skew-whiff for Leinster in the first half. His first-half try from nothing turned the tide.
1. Andrew Porter – 7
Sporting his new, post-World Cup blonde buzzcut, Porter both anchored the scrum effectively and made his presence felt in open play. He just about got the better of Stephen Archer, even if it went down to a judge’s decision.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8
In his 48th appearance for Leinster, Sheehan was one of the brighter Leinster lights, hitting his lineouts accurately and contributing in the loose, one of the few Leinster players to regularly make dominant carries. Took his try well.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 6.5
A busy night from Furlong, whose defensive work rate was definitely on the high side. His scrummaging was sound even if his ball-carrying didn’t pose much of a threat to Munster’s aggressive defence.
4. Joe McCarthy – 6.5
Although relatively inexperienced in the grand scheme of things, McCarthy’s stock has risen significantly since he last donned the blue of Leinster. He put in a solid shift here, his carrying especially, even if his ball-handling remains a real work-on.
5. James Ryan – 6
Ryan’s leadership in the lineout and around the park was evident, even if this was one of his more lethargic efforts. While not the most glamorous of performances, he played a crucial role in the tight exchanges.
6. Jack Conan – 6
The better third of Leinster’s back row, who as a unit came up second best in the physicality stakes against a determined Munster loose forward contingent. His work rate and physicality were key in both attack and defence and some big carries dragged Leinster back into it.
7. Josh van der Flier – 5
Tackled his heart out but there were plenty of uncharacteristically loose moments from Van der Flier, another Ireland star suffering an apparent World Cup hangover.
8. Caelan Doris – 6.5
After a middling first 40, Doris grew into the game, contributing with strong carries and effective defensive work. While not the flashiest of performances, he stayed in the fight; his 78th minute turnover probably winning the game.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Rónan Kelleher – 7
Kelleher provided fresh legs and maintained the set-piece efficiency established by Sheehan. Helped stifle Munster’s ascendency at the breakdown.
17. Jack Boyle – NA
A short cameo for the young prop, with insufficient time to make a significant impact.
18. Michael Ala’alatoa – 6
Ala’alatoa added further stability to the scrum and showcased his experience in the dying moments of the game.
19. Ross Molony – 6
A seasoned campaigner, Molony added his physicality to the pack, maintaining the intensity set by the starting locks.
20. James Culhane – NA
Unused.
21. Ben Murphy
Murphy had a brief run on the pitch, too short a duration to influence the game significantly.
22. Ciarán Frawley – 8
Frawley’s versatility was on display as he seamlessly slotted in at flyhalf for Byrne. His composure under pressure added value in the latter stages and he was a constant spark in attack with ball in hand. Really impressive in trying circumstances.
23. Scott Penny – 7
Penny brought energy off the bench, contributing to the breakdown and defensive efforts. A solid performance in a tightly contested match.
Comments on RugbyPass
Karl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
5 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to comments