Byrne makes his mark at Aviva Stadium
RUGBY
By Daire Walsh
FORMER Naas rugby underage star Adam Byrne marked his home European debut with two tries as Leinster trounced Northampton Saints for a second consecutive week in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Leo Cullen’s men were in a strong position as a result of their success over the English Premiership outfit at Franklin’s Gardens eight days earlier, and they registered nine tries in a comprehensive 60-13 triumph over Jim Mallinder’s visitors in the Ballsbridge venue.
Kill’s Byrne made his first European start in a Leinster shirt last weekend, and he recorded two opening period tries to set the hosts on their way to a commanding win.
With seven tries from just six appearances this season, it is clear that Byrne is now making the big step-up at provincial level.
Speaking after the game, Cullen was quick to acknowledge the hard work that Byrne and Leinster’s other young hopefuls are producing at the moment.
“Obviously we got off to a good start, getting the try in the corner from Adam.
“I just think if the players are serious about improving all the time, the sky’s the limit isn’t it?,” Cullen stated.
“That goes for every player we have in our squad. We’ve got some talented young men [like Adam], and they’re working hard. They’re pushing each other hard, which is good.”
Byrne broke the deadlock with a neat finish in the early stages, before a brace of Stephen Myler place-kicks for Northampton were followed by a breakaway Ken Pisi try. This placed the way side in the ascendancy, before Isa Nacewa (penalty) and scrum-half Luke McGrath (try) got Leinster back on track.
Byrne (who started alongside Naas native Jamie Heaslip) was playing with confidence, and he broke free for a second try on 32 minutes. The three-time Heineken Cup champions had taken firm control of the proceedings, and a Sean O’Brien touchdown at the end of the half meant that they were 16 points to the good (29-13) at the break.
They had already secured a bonus-point by this stage, but they continued to aggressively pursue further tries after the restart.
The front-row pairing of Tadhg Furlong and Sean Cronin crossed over, before the latter was replaced by ex-Newbridge College star James Tracy.
Nacewa subsequently increased his personal tally to 21 points with a brace of tries, and Rory O’Loughlin also dotted down to further bolster the Blues ahead of a busy festive period.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed prior to Saturday’s game that Athy’s Joey Carbery will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks – following the ankle injury he sustained in the away victory over the Saints.
Surgery was required to fix this problem, and with Jonathan Sexton and Cathal Marsh also on the treatment table, this means that Ross Byrne is presently the one available out-half at Cullen’s disposal.