La Rochelle 14 – 16 Leinster: Player ratings as Leinster edge tense battle.
Today at 01:11 PM
Leinster came away victorious in the latest chapter of this European rivalry in a tense nail biting affair. The visitors were met with early pressure and struggled to get into the game until the half hour mark as Joe McCarthy raced away for a try.
The second half offered a similar picture as La Rochelle dominated but struggled to change the scoreboard and Leinster’s defensive efforts saw them hold on to defeat the French side for the second time in a year.
LA ROCHELLE: 14
Tries: Dillyn Leyds (62,
Conversions:
Penalties: Antoine Hastoy (3, 25, 59)
LA ROCHELLE PLAYER RATINGS
15. Brice Dulin – 6 – Dulin was instrumental in the first half to putting Leinster under the cosh. The fullback was brilliant in both the air and with his boot as La Rochelle dominated territory. However he made too many mistakes at crucial moments.
14. Jack Nowell – 7 – Nowell was utilised throughout the game with some good carrying to beat the Leinster blitz defence. The Englishman had 13 carries, offering offloads and popping up throughout the pitch.
13. UJ Seuteni – 6 – An ever willing carrier in a physical battle. Seuteni lacked the power his opposing centres met him with
12. Jules Favre – 6 – Similar to his partner Favre fronted up but struggled to affect the game.
11. Dillyn Leyds – 8 – Leyds was quieter than usual but sparked into life with his brilliantly taken try. Composed in both attack and defence, Leyds try offered La Rochelle a route back into the contest
10. Antoine Hastoy – 7 – Hastoy was brilliant with ball in hand throughout the 80 minutes. However his place kicking lacked accuracy and he will be left rueing missed opportunities.
9. Tawera Kerr Barlow – 8 – Kerr Barlow offers so much to the side with him directing La Rochelle’s early onslaught on the Leinster defence. The scrum half kicked well throughout the game.
- Reda Wardi – 6 – The loosehead came off injured after 38 minutes but saw dominance in the La Rochelle scrum.
2. Quentin Lespiaucq – 7 – The hooker played the full game with La Rochelle winning 12 out of 12 lineouts.
3. Uini Atonio – 5 – Atonio had a typically powerful display but left the field injured after half an hour.
4. Thomas Lavault – 6 – Lavault did the basics well in a physical battle but struggled to shine.
5. Kane Douglas – 6 – Douglas came off shortly after half time in a quiet display before being reintroduced for the final few minutes in which he asserted physical dominance offering a platform for attack.
6. Paul Boudehent – 7 – Boudehent imposed aggression and physicality throughout the 80 minutes.
7. Oscar Jegou – 8 – Jegou was brilliant from open side with 12 tackles and 2 turnovers won.
8. Gregory Alldritt (C) – 8 – Alldritt was his usual self providing a constant thorn in defence. The captain won 2 turnovers and completed 18 tackles in a typically dominant display. The number 8 carried 17 times offering gain line ball continuously.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Nikolos Sutidze – Unused
17. Alexandre Kaddouri – 7 – The youngster came on late in the first half. With La Rochelle continuing to dominate the scrum he can be happy with his days work.
18. Georges-Henri Colombe – 6 – Colombe was introduced after half an hour, although good in set piece he struggled to offer any dynamism in the carry.
19. Ultan Dillane – 7 – The Irishman offered a typical dogged display of aggression and power when introduced from half time.
20. Levani Botia – 7 – Botia offered La Rochelle go forward ball with power and dynamism in the carry. In typical fashion he seemed to show up everywhere.
21. Judicael Cancoriet – 5 – Played 10 minutes, completing all basics.
22. Matthias Haddad – 6 – A solid display for 20 minutes.
23. Hoani Bosmorin – N/A wasn’t on the pitch long enough.
LEINSTER: 16
Tries: Joe McCarthy (29)
Conversions: Sam Prendergast (30)
Penalties: Sam Prendergast (10, 50, 54,)
LEINSTER PLAYER RATINGS
15. Jordie Barrett – 8 – The kiwi offered Leinster assurance and good exits during the early onslaught. A confident display with 14 carries.
14. Jimmy O’Brien – 6 – O’Brien was good in the air but struggled to join Leinster’s attack.
13. Garry Ringrose – 7 – Ringrose is a serious competitor. The centre was aggressive and determined in both attack and defence, offering serious physicality.
12. Robbie Henshaw – 7 – A solid showing, similar to his centre partner.
11. Jamie Osborne – 7 – Osborne for a young player is assured in his duties. Carried well and marshalled his wing in both the air and defensively.
10. Sam Prendergast – 6 – Prendergast was targeted early by La Rochelle as the youngster had 2 kicks blocked down. Brought his usual attacking intent but struggled to affect. Kicked well with 100% off the tee.
9. Jamison Gibson Park – 6 – Gibson Park is almost expected for a stellar display each week. He was quieter today with a few mistakes kicking but was constantly there when needed.
- Cian Healy – 6 – Healy came off injured after 20 minutes in which La Rochelle dominated
2. Ronan Kelleher – 6 – Offered his usual constant aggression but the Leinster lineout faltered again.
3. Tadgh Furlong – 7 – Furlong is returning from injury and gave a confident display showing what Leinster have missed in his constant work ethic.
4. Joe McCarthy – 7 – Scored a try that came from nowhere which allowed Leinster relax and take a foothold in the game.
5. James Ryan – 8 – Ryan has been criticised before for his power however the second row provided a dynamic display of aggression and brilliant work ethic.
6. Ryan Baird – 7 – Baird provided Leinster with their first real attack with a brilliant line break. The quietest of the back row but still gave a decent display.
7. Josh Van der Flier – 8 – Week after week the open side provides Leinster with everything. 21 tackles completed in a powerful display.
8. Caelan Doris (C) – 9 – Doris was instrumental to Leinster coming away with a win. 3 turnovers, 28 tackles, and determination matched with skill and dynamism. The Leinster captain was a deserved man of the match.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Gus McCarthy – 6 – Came on for the final 10 minutes completing the basics well.
17. Andrew Porter – 7 – A typical display of power, after coming on early in the first half.
18. Rabah Slimani – 7 – Slimani was a smart signing for Leinster, providing more stability in the scrum and an experienced head in the second half.
19. RG Snyman – 6 – Struggled to impose his ball carrying prowess so often seen. Gave a solid account of himself.
20. Jack Conan – 6 – Came on for half an hour offering a physical presence.
21. Luke McGrath – 7 – McGrath was instrumental in the final few minutes with tackle after tackle keeping La Rochelle at bay.
22. Ross Byrne – 5 – Leinster started to dwindle with La Rochelle taking control, the outhalf missed a kickable penalty that would’ve given them more breathing room.
23. Ciaran Frawley – 6 – A basic performance as Leinster’s efforts faded.
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