Leinster Surge Late to...

Investec Champions Cup

Leinster (24) 45

Tries: Larmour 2, Ringrose, Frawley, T O’Brien, Conan, J O’Brien Cons: Prendergast 2, Byrne 3

Harlequins (14) 28

Tries: Northmore, Cleaves, penalty try, Beard Cons: Evans 2, Benson

Leinster concluded their match with a strong performance, overcoming a determined Harlequins to kick off their pursuit of a fifth Champions Cup title with a bonus-point victory in Pool 3 at Aviva Stadium.

Jordan Larmour’s two tries, alongside efforts from Garry Ringrose and Ciaran Frawley, allowed Leinster to secure their bonus point before halftime. However, Harlequins managed to spark some excitement with scores from Luke Northmore and Cassius Cleaves.

Just ten minutes into the second half, Harlequins surged back within three points with a penalty try following Jimmy O’Brien’s yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

Despite a brief period of resurgence for Harlequins, which included Jarrod Evans receiving a yellow card, Leinster answered back as Tommy O’Brien and Jack Conan both crossed the line. New Zealand international Rieko Ioane made a significant impact in his debut by assisting Jimmy O’Brien’s try.

Harlequins didn’t leave Dublin empty-handed, as Oscar Beard’s late breakaway score ensured they secured a four-try bonus point.

Leinster, who had previously triumphed 62-0 in their last encounter at Croke Park in April, started this match strong, with Larmour powering over in the corner in just the fifth minute.

Harlequins, missing key England players Marcus Smith, Fin Baxter, and Chandler Cunningham-South, responded with determination, as Northmore scored under the posts after a sustained period of pressure.

But Leinster quickly regained the lead as Ringrose finished off a sharp attacking move, and Prendergast set up Larmour for his second try with an outstanding crossfield kick.

Following that, Harlequins pulled closer when Cleaves exploited a gap in the Leinster defense to complete a well-executed line-out move.

Yet, Leinster had one last blow before halftime, with Frawley capitalizing on a loose ball after Dan Sheehan’s poorly executed line-out throw to secure their bonus point.

With Harlequins still fighting, they pressed Leinster at the start of the second half, earning a penalty try for an infringement by O’Brien just as they were about to score on the left wing.

While O’Brien was sent to the sin-bin, Quins could not capitalize, and their chance for an away upset diminished as Tommy O’Brien showcased finesse by knocking ahead a grubber kick for Leinster’s fifth try.

As pressure mounted on the visitors’ defense, Conan capped off a fine move, and Ioane set up Jimmy O’Brien to redeem himself following his earlier yellow card.

Beard’s late try ensured that Harlequins came away with a consolation bonus point, but they have now encountered nine defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions this season.

What’s Next?

Leinster will face Leicester Tigers on Friday (20:00 GMT), while Harlequins have a home match against Bayonne on December 14 (13:00).

‘Ioane One of Us Already’ – Reaction

Leinster captain Caelan Doris shared with Premier Sports:

“It’s a bonus-point win, but performance-wise, we have areas to improve as we head to Leicester and progress in the tournament.”

“There were a few moving parts, not to excuse our performance, but we’ll need to step it up as we advance.”

Regarding Ioane: “He’s been fantastic and adjusted quickly. Learning the new play-calling can be tough, but he’s done really well, and he’s already one of us.”

Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore commented to Premier Sports:

“It was a bit frustrating. I believed the players displayed great effort, and it was a proud performance. I’m glad we earned the bonus point; we deserved it.”

“The team’s endeavor was commendable. While I don’t want us to settle for that, we are a capable football team. If we can improve by an extra 10%, we can really showcase our abilities. Scoring four tries with only 30% possession and territory was quite an accomplishment.”

Line-ups

Leinster: J O’Brien; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Frawley, Larmour; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; P McCarthy, Sheehan, Clarkson, Snyman, J McCarthy, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, Boyle, Furlong, Mangan, Deegan, McGrath, Byrne, Ioane.

Sin-bin: J O’Brien (50 mins)

Harlequins: Anderson; Cleaves, Beard, Northmore, Murley (capt); Evans, Porter; Wenger, Walker, Williams, Treadwell, Lewies, Carr, Evans, Lawday.

Replacements: Turner, Hobson, Delgado, Launchbury, Schmid, Friday, Benson, Bradley.

Sin-bin: Evans (59 mins)

Match Officials

Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)

Assistant referees: Adam Jones (Wal) & Ben Breakspear (Wal)

TMO: Keith David (Wal)

Leinster Surge Late to…