Ringrose treble as Saints steamrollered again

IT took an entire game to ship 43 points to Leinster at Franklin’s Gardens last weekend. Last night the Saints had conceded the same total after 48 minutes of this utterly one-side affair.

Northampton made eight changes to the side which suffered that first pummelling. And while there were some moments of quality from Dan Biggar, Taqele Naiyaravoro and young England flanker Lewis Ludlum, they were no match for Leinster’s firepower.

Leinster encountered little resistance in the first half. In fact, they were halfway to a bonus point with less than seven minutes on the clock thanks to an early brace from Garry Ringrose. The first was a typical result of the centre’s industry, blocking an attempted clearance from Andy Symonds to regather and score.

The second was a result of James Lowe’s instinctive brilliance. The New Zealander’s break and deft offload gave Ringrose the easiest of finishes. Soon after, Ross Byrne fired over a penalty and Leinster were 17-0 to the good.

Biggar struck back for the visitors but it was merely a brief respite. Full back Ahsee Tuala was sent to the sin bin for a sly tug on Lowe’s jersey as he looked to take a pass from Luke McGrath.

Byrne sent the ball into the corner, the pack set up the lineout drive and Tadhg Furlong emerged from the pile of bodies to score.

No sooner was Tuala due to return when Tom Wood was dispatched to the bin for another cynical piece of play.

The bonus-point try then arrived via more great unseen work from Caelan Doris who, along with Rhys Ruddock, wrestled back possession before Ringrose sent Dave Kearney away for the fourth try of the evening.

Saints wing Ollie Sleightholme crossed for the sixth try of a manic first half but it was all Leinster after the break.

Lowe barged his way through before Ringrose completed his hat-trick.

Doris was rewarded for an excellent night’s work when he waltzed through with 14 minutes remaining as Leinster brought up the half-century.