RUGBY
Another week, another defeat for Leinster
By Daire Walsh
WITH just two games gone in their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign, Leinster already find themselves on the brink of elimination from the top-tier club competition.
Following a heavy defeat at the hands of Wasps last Sunday week, Leo Cullen’s charges suffered another defeat to Aviva Premiership opposition – Bath – at the Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon.
With an encounter against defending champions Toulon set to take place at the Aviva Stadium on December 19, the Blues will more than likely have to win all of their remaining four games if they are to progress to the knock-out stages.
It came as little surprise when Cullen made several alterations to his starting line-up for the trip to the Somerset venue, as club captain Isa Nacewa, Ben Te’o and Luke Fitzgerald all returned from injury to take their place alongside Suncroft’s Fergus McFadden, Dave Kearney, Jonathan Sexton and Isaac Boss in a strong defensive set-up.
The absence of Richardt Strauss, Mike McCarthy and Sean O’Brien provided Sean Cronin, recent recruit Hayden Triggs and Rhys Ruddock with opportunities to impress, while in addition to another start for Jamie Heaslip of Naas, James Tracy featured in a European match-day squad for the very first time.
Following their disappointing showing at home to Wasps, Leinster needed to issue an early statement of intent, and Sexton opened the scoring with an eighth-minute penalty.
Yet, Bath contained the visitors for the remainder of the half, and thanks to a penalty and drop-goal by international out-half George Ford, they led by three points (6-3) during the interval.
It was becoming evident that both kickers would have a major bearing on the outlook of the game, and even though Ford extended Bath’s advantage after the restart, a brace of successful Sexton penalties ensured the sides were level at nine points apiece.
Bath did create some daylight with a much-deserved 61st penalty try, but following a terrific converted touchdown by European debutant Josh Van Der Flier, parity was restored 11 minutes from time.
Van Der Flier, Tracy and Luke McGrath all added fresh impetus to the Leinster play when they were introduced, and Sexton had an opportunity to move Leinster back into the ascendancy.
He was short of the target with his kick from distance, though, and Ford sealed Bath’s victory with a sublime kick on 76 minutes.
This was a second hammer blow in succession for Leinster, and they will need to dust themselves down ahead of this Friday’s interprovincial Pro12 showdown with Ulster.
In a similar vein to last week, Leinster ‘A’ had greater joy in their British & Irish Cup Pool 1 fixture against Moseley at Donnybrook on Friday, as they secured a 55-12 success.
There was a significant Kildare contingent involved in this game, with Billy Dardis, Adam Byrne and Tadhg Beirne all featuring from the start, and Joey Carbery enjoying 15 minute run-out at fly-half.
Byrne made his presence felt on the right-wing for Leinster, and he helped the hosts to register a much-desired bonus-point prior to the conclusion of the opening period.