BLUES ROUT OF THIS WORLD
Sharks torn to pieces by rampant Leinster at Aviva REDS OVERCOME 14-MAN WARRIORS AT A COST
LEO CULLEN’S much-changed double chasers dismissed the toothless Sharks in a one-sided URC quarter-final at the Aviva.
The Blues are marching ever closer to a first double triumph since 2018 – and are now in a similar position to last season, when they fell short on both fronts.
This five-try victory means they will be back on Lansdowne Road next week for a semi-final showdown with Munster – a week out from their Champions Cup decider against La Rochelle.
Cullen was satisfied with the performance after making nine changes from last week’s starting line-up against Toulouse in the European semi.
Max Deegan goes over for Leinster try and, above, Joe Mccarthy after the game
“It was a tricky week, it was such a big build-up to the Toulouse game,” said the head coach. “Credit to the players, I thought they were excellent this week.
“The Sharks are pretty clear in what they try to do and we’re pleased to get through.
“It was a bit scrappy and the scrum was messy, calls could have gone either way, and I don’t think the score was really reflective of the game but we did well to problem solve.
“We move on to next week, another big challenge. But we’re here playing at the Aviva, which is fantastic – and guys are putting their hands up and giving us a (selection) headache, which is what we want. “You’ve seen how the guys have fronted up this season how they have dealt with the physical piece. They’ve been excellent. The game of rugby is very complex but
it’s simple
MUNSTER reached the BKT United Rugby Championship semi-finals after Tom Jordan’s first-half red card proved costly for Glasgow.
Graham Rowntree’s side inflicted Warriors’ first home defeat of the season as victory set up an encounter with table-toppers Leinster at as well, it’s about winning the collision point.”
Tadhg Furlong came off at the break after needing treatment earlier but Cullen later said the tighthead will be fine. His replacement Cian Healy didn’t last to the finish and his fitness is a concern.
James Ryan was also spotted wearing a moon boot. “I think he’s just looking for attention,” joked Cullen. “It’s a minor issue, he’ll be fine.”
Like last week, Leinster fell behind early as Grant Williams capitalised on a mismatch in Leinster’s defensive line to score the first try in the seventh minute.
But Caelan Doris replied with a barnstorming 15th minute try off lineout ball. Makazole Mapimpi’s high tackle on Doris as he attempted to stop the Mayo man earned him a yellow card.
And, again like last week, the province made their opponents pay by scoring two converted tries in the period Sharks were
down a man. the Aviva next Saturday.
The home side started well and dominated possession and territory over the 80 minutes but their hopes of reaching a second final this season were undone in a fiveminute spell.
Warriors could not make their early pressure count and Malakai Fekitoa crossed in the 22nd minute in Munster’s first
Michael Milne powered over after Doris came close.
Then just 120 seconds later searing breaks from Leinster’s 22 from Ciarán Frawley and Hugo Keenan resulted in Byrne’s crosskick allowing Jordan Larmour to score on the right flank.
Leinster kept the pressure on in the second half and a flowing 51st move involving backs and forwards saw replacement Jack Conan slip Max Deegan in for an easy try in the 51st minute, and once more Byrne was up to the conversion.
Some 65 minutes after scoring the first try, Sharks thought they had another through replacement Janse van Rensburg. However flanker James Venter was spotted piling dangerously into Porter at the ruck with a no-arms tackle and the score was disallowed.
There was still time for Jamison Gibson-park to rub salt in their wounds, the replacement scrumhalf running onto Kearney’s well weighted kick. This time it was
Ross Byrne who converted.
Glasgow 5 Munster 14
attack of the game.
Jordan was sent off three minutes later after smashing his shoulder into the face of Conor Murray on the touchline and Antoine Frisch soon went over to increase Munster’s lead further.
Kyle Steyn gave Glasgow hope with a 66th-minute try but the 14 men could not build on their opening score.
The visitors defended admirably despite losing captain Peter O’mahony early on to an arm injury and lock RG Snyman to a head injury.
Murray was forced off as a result of Jordan’s challenge and the Reds will be counting the cost of victory as they prepare for a huge test in Dublin against Leinster in just six days time.