Reaction: Leinster in rude health to leather Scarlets next week

By Patrick McCarry

Sean O'Brien runs in support of Jonny Sexton.

Image: ©INPHO/Russell Cheyne

04/01/13 12,555 Views 15 Comments

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL STILL had the energy to sign autographs for young Edinburgh fans and many of the travelling Leinster supporters at the end of his 80-minute shift at Murrayfield.

As Isaac Boss prepared to come on with 11 minutes to go of Leinster’s 31-16 win away to Edinburgh, logic seemed to suggest the New Zealander [as versatile as he is laid-back] would replace O’Driscoll, with Gordon D’Arcy shifting to outside centre.

Instead it was D’Arcy, who scored his first try in 14 months, that jogged off for the Tokoroa-native as O’Driscoll took his place in the backline and gave instructions to Andrew Conway and Ian Madigan.

34-years-old in just over two weeks and just back from two months on the sideline, O’Driscoll saw out the match and instigated Leinster’s last meaningful assault of a match they comfortably won.

Luke Fitzgerald, in his first outing of the season, and Rob Kearney, taking to the field for the first time since an away loss to Connacht in September, lasted 63 and 62 respective minutes.

The bonus point victory was wrapped up with 13 minutes to spare when Ian Madigan profited from a multi-phase attack. He jogged back to his position in the backline as Jonny Sexton slotted over the extras and so did O’Driscoll.

The Ireland captain was not going anywhere.

Attaining goals

The Madigan try came as a direct result of a 50-metre break from Sean O’Brien.

Playing at openside flanker, O’Brien put in a magnificent performance that full-merited the man of the match award he was duly presented with post-game.

He told TG4, “The ground was heavy; it was tough going. Edinburgh are a good side and it took a long time to break them down but, thankfully, we did.

“They’re big lads and they hit hard. They’re not easy to run into. I’ll be sore in the morning.” O’Brien added:

[The bonus point win] will keep us in the hunt for the top four. The important thing is we did what we set out to do during the week.

“Obviously there are areas to work on but there always are.”

Schmidt will be satisfied with his side as they claimed just their third try bonus point of the Pro12 season. It is a boost for a team that has scored three tries from four Heineken Cup games.

Ulster, by scoring five tries in a 47-17 win against Scarlets, gave Leinster a brutal template of the pressing, dynamic rugby needed to break down the Welsh side.

Miracles are needed if Leinster are to progress from Heineken Cup Pool 5 but they have a few miracle workers back on call.

As it happened: Edinburgh v Leinster, RaboDirect Pro12

As it happened: Ulster v Llanelli, RaboDirect Pro12

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Comments (10 Comments)
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Brendan Moran 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
Kearney was majestic under the high ball and his left peg was spot on. Welcome back.

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Mark Nolan 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
Cas o brien..up the Tullow Tank

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Cian O Donoghue 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
love it when johnny come latelys try to turn any piece into Munster v Leinster. Go back to wendyball where ye belong.

Was good to see Leinster play somewhat closer to how we know they can. Ulster were impressive again last night. Hopefully Munster can win comfortably tonight and we have 3 teams pushing for a HC QF with some momentum….

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will whelan 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
come on leinster.

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Denis Walsh 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
This is not about Munster. This is about Leinster …..end of.

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  Finan Gallagher 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
  End of…… Leinster ? ……. Now that reads ominously !!
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  Diarmaid Twomey 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
  The Leinster crowd have an awful chip on their shoulder it seems to me. Anything for a cheap shot, even when the article has zero to do with Munster. I actually always shout for Leinster and I am a die hard Munster fan but when I read this crap I actually begin to wonder should I be arsed!
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Pete Kenny 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
are those thumbs down munster fans.??

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  Diarmaid Twomey 05/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
  Give it a rest!
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Les Rock 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
Bit disrespectful to scarlets, no?

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Steven B 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
Poor oil jonny is not enjoying the crotchgrab

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Sarah Colton Irwin 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
‘next week’ wasn’t there when I commented :)

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  Patrick McCarry 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
  Yep, in fairness to Sarah I added in ‘next week’ after her first comment to avoid confusion.
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Sarah Colton Irwin 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
Headline typo. Edinburgh not Scarlets.

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  Christopher Duffin 04/01/13 Comment reported, thank you Report this comment
  You read it wrong.
  
  “to leather Scarlets next week”
  
  ie, they will leather Scarlets next week.