1
'Entirely different to what the referees asked for': All Blacks assistant on South African TV director's influence
149
{{item.n}}
Munster player ratings vs Leinster | 2025/26 URC
at Croke Park, Dublin
2 Comments
Share 
Munster player ratings: Munster battered Leinster 31–14 at Croke Park, turning the capital blue crowd silent with a performance built on intensity, accuracy and a more than a dash of swagger.
ADVERTISEMENT
Clayton McMillan’s side dominated the collisions, bossed the breakdown and outclassed their rivals in most facets of the game, led by the outstanding Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell.
15. Shane Daly – 6.5
A few poor linking moments with his back division in attack but was solid enough from the back.
14. Andrew Smith – N/A
Tweaked his hamstring early and didn’t return.
13. Tom Farrell – 8.5
Another stormer from the excellent Farrell, taking his first try like the proverbial candy from a baby. Nearly grabbed a second only for replays to show he came up just short.
12. Dan Kelly – 8
A really solid performance from a player who already looks like Munster’s signing of the season. Strong in contact, clever in defence and linked beautifully with Farrell.
11. Thaakir Abrahams – 8
Electric start to the game and a threat every time he found a sliver of space. His acceleration and balance caused Leinster headaches throughout.
10. Jack Crowley – 8.5
Outplayed Sam Prendergast and it wasn’t particularly close. His kicking game was exceptional and he pulled all the right levers for Munster. On this evidence he must start against the All Blacks or the Munster conspiracy theorists will have a field day.
9. Ethan Coughlan – 8
The kid looks to the manor born and outshone Gibson-Park here. Composed, snappy at the base. A breakout performance marred by injury.
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Michael Milne – 4
Got monstered by Tadhg Furlong early on and never fully recovered from it.
2. Diarmuid Barron – 7
Very hard to fault. Battled his life out despite the scrum being under pressure and nailed his lineout throws.
3. John Ryan – 5
The veteran was tested by rookie loosehead Paddy McCarthy and came off second best more often than not.
4. Edwin Edogbo – 7.5
Strong in the lineout but fluffed his lines with the Leinster try line beckoning after a poor pass. Provided plenty of ballast and looks far fitter since returning from injury.
ADVERTISEMENT
5. Fineen Wycherley – 8
A monster at the breakdown at times, making 18 tackles to underline his work rate and engine.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 8.5
A quiet first 25 minutes but his influence grew as the match wore on. In full wrecking-ball mode in the second half, as only Beirne can be.
7. Jack O’Donoghue – 7
A real nuisance on the deck and one of the main reasons Leinster couldn’t get quick ball.
8. Brian Gleeson – 8
Dragged Munster back into it with the away side’s first try from a pick-and-go under the posts. Carried with intent and was a constant physical presence until his afternoon was cut short.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Lee Barron – 6
Steady if unspectacular off the bench against his old team.
17. Jeremy Loughman – 7
Shored up the scrum and carried hard. A strong impact showing.
18. Ronan Foxe – 6
Did his job without fuss and helped steady things late on.
19. Jean Kleyn – 8
Put in one huge hit on 60 minutes and set the tone physically. The Bok was good value and a major factor in Munster’s dominance up front.
20. Gavin Coombes – 8
Played a big role after replacing Gleeson, his hold-up on van der Flier a momentum-shifting moment.
21. Paddy Patterson – 7
Kept the tempo high and ensured Munster didn’t lose rhythm after Coughlan’s exit.
22. JJ Hanrahan – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
23. Alex Nankivell – 7.5
Excellent from the bench after coming on for Smith, making Leinster defenders miss despite playing out of position on the wing.
