LEINSTER 36-22 LEICESTER
Leicester Tigers came flying out of the gates, at Aviva Stadium, but Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan and Joe McCarthy had some swift, painful responses for them.
Handré Pollard crashed over for a try after only five minutes of play, in Dublin. Ross Byrne responded with a penalty but Leinster were far from done.
A swift attack saw Joe McCarthy stretch all 6-foot-6 of his frame, pick a ball off his ankles, get back to full speed for a clean break and switch back inside for a try assist – to Gibson-Park – that had fans out of their seats and roaring.
The big man with lovely handling and a nice burst of pace, showing great awareness to set his scrumhalf free.
Jamison Gibson-Park gets first half hat-trick
Dan Sheehan followed up that Joe McCarthy assist with a sweet one of his own, to make it 15-7 to Leinster, as Jamison Gibson-Park cruised over after a nice support line.
The hat-trick try arrived on 30 minutes when Jamie Osborne made a nice break and inside pass:
The second half saw Leicester Tigers get to within a score of the hosts with a James Cronin try in the corner. Robbie Henshaw scored an intercept try, though, to keep the English side at a safe distance.
Jack Conan thought he had sealed victory with a fine try, only for the TMO to rule it out for a knock-on. 10 minutes later, there was no argument as Conan grounded the ball after a superb Ryan Baird break. Sub Charlie Clare got a Leicester consolation but that was as good as it got.
That win for Leinster sets up a Champions Cup quarter final against reigning champs, La Rochelle.
WATCH HOUSE OF RUGBY, WITH LINDSAY PEAT & JAMES DOWNEY
*Join SportsJOE’s WhatsApp community for first access to news, sports updates, and quizzes. Click on this link to receive news and the latest sports headlines directly to your phone. You can leave the group at any time.
Related stories:
- In any World’s Best XV, these two need be in the back row
- “Oh, that was horrific” – Mack Hansen on the toughest tackle he’s ever taken
- Croke Park in line for massive Leinster games after crucial GAA vote
- Ireland team Andy Farrell should start to take on the world champion Springboks
- World Rugby considering two law changes that fans have been crying out for
