PLAYER RATINGS

Cian Tracey

8 CIARÁN FRAWLEY

Late inclusion for the injured Hugo Keenan, he again proved why his versatility is such an asset. Covered the back-field well and looked assured in everything he did.

9 JAMIE OSBORNE

Comfortable in the midfield battle, the 22-year-old’s reputation continues to grow. Played a lovely cross-field kick for Lowe’s first try, his left boot is a serious weapon.

9 JAMISONGIBSON-PARK

Recovered from an early forward pass, a rare mistake. His rapid delivery kept Leinster on the front foot, and wore La Rochelle out, while he scored his fourth try in two games.

9 TADHG FURLONG

Upended Will Skelton with a powerful tackle that set the tone. Part of a dominant scrum, the tighthead’s deft ballhandling in open play was a joy to watch.

9 RYAN BAIRD

Conceded the penalty that led to a try just before the break but he made up for it shortly after with a trademark finish. Called the lineout well in a mature display.

8 JORDAN LARMOUR

Continued his good run of form by winning an important early turnover and showing good footwork in the lead-up to Lowe’s first try and good hands for Baird’s score.

9 JAMES LOWE

Scored the opening try, created the second, while in between, he was held up for another. Had to wait for his second try but, as always, he was on hand to finish it.

9 ANDREW PORTER

Dominant at the scrum. Did very well to win the breakdown turnover that led to Baird’s crucial try just after the restart before he was given a rare early breather.

9 JOE McCARTHY

More than held his own against a gigantic pack, his turnover from an early maul was crucial. Offloads in the build-up to Leinster’s two first-half tries showed the silkier side of his game.

8 WILL CONNORS

Brought into the team for his chop-tackling prowess and he justified his selection with an allaction performance. One blot was not putting Lowe over for a try.

9 ROBBIE HENSHAW

He is playing with real confidence that once again shone through here. Strong on both sides of the ball, his kick for Lowe’s second try was a delight.

9 ROSS BYRNE

Stepped up in a big way. Kicked like a dream and played the final pass that put Lowe over for his first. Showed some nice touches in a statement performance.

9 DAN SHEEHAN

His best performance in some time, he was in the thick of everything. A nuisance at the breakdown, he threw well and scored a brilliantlyworked team try out wide.

7 JASON JENKINS

Made a couple of big carries before Lowe scored, which typified a strong display in contact. Discipline was an issue in the first half. Was replaced soon after the restart.

8 CAELAN DORIS

Needed to step it up a notch and the captain delivered, edging the battle with his opposite number to remind everyone of his class. Ran himself into the ground.

REPLACEMENTS: Unlike previous seasons, Leinster were not slow in going to their bench, which had a major say in them putting the game to bed early. Josh van der Flier brought energy, as did the back-up front-row of Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne and Michael Ala’alatoa. A 23-man effort. 8