We may have to invent a new ratings system after Dan Leavy blows Saracens away

Patrick McCarry

The Irish tide keeps on rising.

Leinster followed Munster into the last four of the Champions Cup after running over Saracens at the Aviva Stadium. Dan Leavy and Tadhg Furlong were both sensational but every player in blue had a positive impact.

Tries from Garry Ringrose, Dan Leavy and James Lowe were enough to completely up-end Sarries and set up a semi final clash with Scarlets on the April 21-22 weekend.

This is how we rated Leinster’s men in blue:

Rob Kearney – 7.5

Nice early carry that had Saracens in trouble but his kick for McFadden spun out. Made another good incision to gain ground but was not having it all his own way in the air. Flattened Liam Williams, who lost his footing, with a last-ditch tackle.

Fergus McFadden – 7

Showed lovely feet to cut inside and make ground midway through the first half. Took over the kicking duties when Sexton was a little too dusted up. Made a nice take-down of a flying Jackson Wray.

Garry Ringrose – 8

His afternoon certainly started off in electric fashion…

"This is all about raw power!"

Nacewa ➡️ Lowe ➡️ Nacewa ➡️ Ringrose… Try!

What a start for Leinster! 👏 pic.twitter.com/TQwSdN5hjJ

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) April 1, 2018

Found it tougher going in defence as he was bounced back by Sean Maitland, conceded a penalty in front of the posts and was tossed to the turf by Brad Barritt. All of that was in the first 20 minutes. Started off the second half wit the most sublime kick to within a metre of the Saracens line.

Isa Nacewa – 8

Started the move, and made the assist, that led to Ringrose’s try. Such a fierce competitor – drove Itoje a yard back in one collision. No mean feat. Will be annoyed with himself for spilling the ball just as it looked like he was away with a clean break. Stuck a nice tackle on Goode near the end.

James Lowe – 7

Great burst up the left to tee up that Ringrose score. Was kept at bay for long stages but got a vital try with 20 minutes to go. Good pressure on Owen Farrell to force a late mistake.

Johnny Sexton – 8

Targeted for rough treatment all match. Won an early turnover after stopping Itoje in his tracks. Fronted up yet again but gave away a silly penalty that Bosch slotted over.

Luke McGrath – 7

Just back to fitness and crucial to the Leinster cause. Kept his side ticking and made six snipes to keep his opponents honest.

Cian Healy – 7

Lit up Juan Figallo with one crunching tackle. Did not show up for many carries but did his job in sticking tackles and clearing rucks.

Sean Cronin – 7

Six carries and each one got his team over the gainline. Solid in the set-piece and stuck all his tackles.

Tadhg Furlong – 9

Used to punishing effect on strike plays and rolling mauls. Made some brutish tackles out there and a number of strong carries. Made one peach of an offload with two Sarries players literally on his back.

Devin Toner – 6

In a game of pure, freakish muscle, Toner was merely getting by. Leinster were effective at the breakdown, though, and Toner always comes in handy there. Nice pop pass to put Leavy through a gap. Late yellow card.

James Ryan – 8.5

Made some punishing hits and set several Sarries back on their tails. Sweet one-two with Leavy to set up the flanker’s try. 15 tackles landed and 18 carries for 28 metres gained.

Scott Fardy – 8

Showed deft handling to keep a move alive before Sexton made it 10-6. Was on a tackling brief for much of the first half. Cleared out rucks like a maniac.

Dan Leavy – 10

We gave him a 9.5 [in Ireland green] at Twickenham. We’re going 0.5 better today. What a try, and tumble to boot! Punctured Sarries with a nice one-two with James Ryan before bursting free to score.

A standout for Ireland in the Six Nations, Dan Leavy has carried his form into the Champions Cup…

A try he started a finished, excellent score from the Leinster's number 7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/CyndSn4sbu

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) April 1, 2018

One ferocious ruck clear-out on Schalk Burger signalled his bruising intent. Made some necessary, imposing carries that brought the fight to Sarries. Made a scintillating break and offload around the 55-minute mark. 16 carries for 82 metres gained, three clean breaks, four defenders beaten, two offloads, a try and 14 tackles emphatically stuck.

We may have to start handing out 11s if this guy gets any better.

Jordi Murphy – 6.5

Got the ball stolen from him on his first carry. Leinster tried to use him as a strike runner but Sarries had his card marked. Still, that didn’t stop him from showing for the ball and calling it on him. One of the men that carried Lowe over the line for his try.