Healy stars as Leinster cruise ahead of crucial spell of games

LEINSTER needed this, a proper test of their physical and mental strengths ahead of a crucial month of interprovincial and European action.

It took them some time to hit their straps but once they ground down the gritty resistance of a typically teak-tough Richard Cockerill-coached side, there was only going to be one winner.

This was a victory of decent substance — marshalled by the man of the match Cian Healy — and occasionally flashes of typical style from the three-quarters.

When James Lowe, three minutes before the break, added to Fergus McFadden’s 15th minute try to give the home side a 12-0 lead at tea-time, it was only a matter of when they would broach bonus point territory.

Edinburgh stirred briefly after the break thanks to Magnus Bradbury’s try but the home side roused themselves sufficiently to dominate thereafter.

Jordan Larmour, scintillating all night, scored the third before captain Jonathan Sexton confirmed the try bonus.

The excellent Garry Ringrose made the gamblers happy (the handicap was -23) by adding a fifth in injury time.

Edinburgh “were not embarrassed” in defeat by Leinster and must use the experience of playing the Pro14 and European champions to improve, says head coach Richard Cockerill.

Cockerill insisted his team “made Leinster work hard for their win”.

“We battled and played as hard as we could — the reality is they’re just a better team than us,” he said.

“The score flatters them a little bit maybe, but they’re a good team.”