OLD HEADS SEE LEINSTER HOME
A STRONG first-half performance wasn’t enough for Cardiff, who fell short against a powerful Leinster outfit.
Cardiff led 15-12 at the interval courtesy of two tries from the outstanding Rhys Carre, but Leinster took control after the break as their more experienced bench outmuscled the hosts.
The Welsh club started strongly with a powerful carry from No. 8 Lopeti Timani setting the tone, but Leinster soon got into the game when Thomas Clarkson charged-down a clearance kick from Tinus de Beer.
Clarkson raced clear before drawing in the final defender to put Rob Russell over for a try which Ross Byrne converted.
Leinster’s handling was a joy to watch with their tip-on passes from the point of contact opening up the Cardiff defence.
The hosts defended admirably but a try was inevitable with Max Deegan eventually forcing his way over the line for their second touchdown of the evening.
But despite Leinster’s early dominance, Cardiff always looked dangerous with ball in hand as both de Beer and Aled Summerhill impressed offensively.
De Beer opened the scoring with three points from the kicking tee, but Leinster came right back at Cardiff who relieved pressure when Thomas Young won a penalty at the breakdown.
Cardiff eventually won field position and from a well-executed line-out Carre hit a tremendous angle to score, bumping off Ross Byrne in the process.
Cardiff’s tails were up and de Beer was soon slicing through the Leinster defence before racing 45 metres upfield and sending Young clear.
The Wales international was tackled just short of the line, but Cardiff had so much momentum that Leinster wing Jordan Lamour had no choice but to play the ball from an offside position with the Ireland international sent to the sin-bin as a result.
Cardiff executed the subsequent line-out perfectly to send Carre over for his second try which gave the hosts a welldeserved half-time lead.
The Welsh club started the second half positively with Uilisi Halaholo smashing his way upfield, but his offload didn’t go to hand and Cardiff were soon under pressure again.
Leinster’s pack completely dominated the second half, and as they emptied their bench Cardiff began to tire.
Leinster were initially awarded a try when Clarkson forced his way over but the TMO intervened as the ball was held up.
But it only served to delay the inevitable as replacement prop Michael Milne barged over the line for Leinster’s third try. The Irish province had the bit between their teeth and were in no mood to be merciful, with Milne crossing for his second try soon after.
Leinster proved extremely clinical in the opposition 22, and this time it was John McKee who dotted down for his side’s fifth try.
Cardiff finished on a positive note with Aled Summerhill squeezing in at the corner after beautiful handling from the hosts.