1
What written judgement said about Alex Mann's role in gouging saga
3
{{item.n}}
Leinster player ratings vs Sharks | 2025/26 URC
By Ian Cameron at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Leinster player ratings: Leinster returned to the Aviva and made light work of a disjointed Sharks outfit, running out convincing 31-5 winners despite the occasional bout of self-sabotage.
ADVERTISEMENT
There was some vintage Leinster slickness in the first half before the benches levelled things out late on.
Here’s how they rated.
1. Paddy McCarthy – 7
Another impressively solid outing from the rookie loosehead, although the Sharks scrum didn’t exactly put him under siege. Handled Koch and Dreyer without much drama before being hooked on 50.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 7
Lions tourist Kelleher hit his jumpers early doors and even dared a throw to the front that nearly turned into a try. Physical in contact and tidy in the loose. Made way at halftime with his stock quietly rising again.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5
Another returning Lions hero, Furlong won his mini-battle at scrum time and showed a couple of those deft touches that make him such a rare prop. Looked like a man enjoying himself again after a rough season or two of niggles.
4. Brian Deeny – 6
Did plenty of unglamorous work but drifted from view after a lively start. One of those nights where his graft will be noticed only in the review room.
5. Ryan Baird – 7.5
Dominated the skies, carried aggressively and added physical edge that swung momentum Leinster’s way.
ADVERTISEMENT
6. Alex Soroka – 7.5
A live wire early on, almost pulling off a sensational chip-and-collect effort. Combined beautifully with Deegan in the lead-up to Osborne’s try. A couple of fumbles prevented a higher mark, but his energy set the tone.
7. Josh van der Flier (captain) – 8
First-time Leinster captain Van der Flier led from the front. Carried with venom, pinched a turnover under pressure on 16 minutes, and even grabbed a try for good measure. Inspirational outing.
8. Max Deegan – 8
Link play was sharp, though he threw one howler of an offload just after halftime. Redeemed himself instantly with a lovely dummy for the bonus-point try. A big performance from a player often overlooked.
9. Fintan Gunne – 8
Kept the Sharks guessing with smart snipes and crisp tempo. His break for Van der Flier’s try summed up his night – sharp, brave, and unpredictable. A real prospect.
ADVERTISEMENT
10. Harry Byrne – 6
Byrne’s first regular-season Leinster start since 2024 after a stint with Bristol Bears. Began brilliantly, throwing a beauty for O’Brien’s try and looking eager to attack. Then imploded slightly with a daft hail-mary that gifted the Sharks a score. Overplayed his hand trying to make an impression – out of the Prendergast playbook of chaos. Not sure quite how he was awarded Player of the Match.
11. James Lowe – 7
Seemed to have a point to prove after a muted Lions tour. His grubber for Osborne was inch-perfect, and he looked more like his old mischievous self again. Just lacked the gas to finish a late one.
12. Ciaran Frawley – 6
Sedate but serviceable. Made metres, held the line, didn’t do much wrong nor much dazzling. A glue performance, which isn’t always a bad thing.
13. Robbie Henshaw – 6
Sharper than last week, with some neat touches and improved timing in attack. Then tweaked a hammy trying to reel in Jurenzo Julius and was subbed not long after halftime.
14. Jimmy O’Brien – 7.5
Brilliantly finished off a whip-smart set play for Leinster’s second. Also butchered a kick to touch in the first half that would have embarrassed a junior B winger. Net positive overall.
15. Jamie Osborne – 8
Finished his try superbly with an inside step after a perfect Lowe kick. Composed throughout and showed vision to spark Deegan’s score. Cool customer.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy – 7
On for Kelleher and immediately bagged a close-range try. Contributed to a wobblier second-half scrum but worked hard in the loose.
17. Jack Boyle – 5
Gave away a yellow late on and contributed to Leinster’s brief spell of chaos at the scrum.
18. Thomas Clarkson – 6
Didn’t steady the scrum, which had held the upper hand.
19. Diarmuid Mangan – 6
Showed energy and aggression off the bench. Hardly put a foot wrong in his brief spell.
20. James Culhane – NA
Arrived too late to get a rating.
21. Luke McGrath – 6.5
Good defensive awareness, particularly in the tackle that led to Cooney’s intercept. Provided control when it was needed.
22. Hugh Cooney – 7
Alert and opportunistic with that intercept to kill off a Sharks attack. Will be pleased with his contribution.
23. Joshua Kenny – NA
Not on long enough for a full grade but showed he’s got serious gas. One to watch.