“We talk about Lions watch.”
Nobody, including in replacements, had a bad game for Leinster as they demolished Harlequins 62-0 at Croke Park on Saturday. Everybody ate.
Three player in particular, however, reigned supreme, with each of them putting in their best performances of the season for the province.
All three also share something in common; they have decent to strong chances of making the Lions tour this summer, without being nailed on.
Garry Ringrose credentials are the strongest, followed by Josh van der Flier, and then Sam Prendergast.
Van der Flier was a deserved Player of the Match, both from RTÉ and in our own ratings.
The openside flanker was everywhere, chipping in with 81 metres, nine tackles, eight passes, and a try.
Garry Ringrose was involved in most of Ireland’s good attacking play, and should be on the plane to Australia if he can keep up this form in the remaining rounds of the Champions Cup and URC.
Prendergast’s route to the Lions squad is tougher, with some serious talent vying for just a single position.
But after a poor showing against France in the Six Nations, he bounced back well, albeit with an incredibly dominant pack, showing off a variety of skill as well as his usual slick passing.
And it only took until half-time for RTÉ’s Jamie Heaslip to talk up the three players and their Lions chances.
He said: “We talk about Lions watch, and the people that are putting their hands up today are Josh, Garry Ringrose and Sam Prendergast is having a good game. He’s coordinating it all. Now, he is having an armchair ride off the back of the Leinster pack.”
