Following a dominant 62-0 victory for Leinster over Harlequins, here are our five takeaways from the Investec Champions Cup encounter at Croke Park on Saturday.
The top line
The international stars of Leinster marmalised their English opponents as the Irish province moved into the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup with an easy victory over Harlequins. Initially built on that outstanding Jacques Nienaber-designed defence, the hosts held off a bright start from the visitors to come away with a comfortable win.
They were tested in the opening exchanges but, once Sam Prendergast touched down in the 14th minute, there was never any doubt over the result. Joe McCarthy and Jamie Osborne followed Prendergast over the line to open up a 19-0 advantage before they ripped Quins to shreds after the break.
The defence remained resolute – keeping their opponents scoreless was testament to that – but there was also an improvement in attack. It has been their main ‘work-on’ since Nienaber adapted their game plan but, following a first half where there were a few too many errors, the hosts tidied up those handling issues and scored some outstanding tries.
Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and Dan Sheehan all got themselves on the scoresheet in the third quarter before a penalty try added to Quins’ misery with 15 minutes remaining. Leinster did not relent, however, and a late blitz, which saw Ross Byrne cross the whitewash and James Lowe score a brace, helped the Irish province to a 62-0 success in the round-of-16 clash.
Jacques Nienaber masterclass (again)
Some have questioned whether the former Springboks head coach is harming Ireland’s national team due to the difference in defensive systems. We think that is absolute nonsense, however, as Irish rugby will only benefit from Nienaber’s influence and what he has done with Leinster has, on this evidence, made them an even scarier proposition.
Harlequins are regarded as one of the most talented attacking sides in the Premiership but they barely fired a shot thanks to the efforts of the hosts and their exceptional defence guru. Granted, they have suffered a few injuries in key positions and the departure of Andre Esterhuizen has hampered their attack, but they are still a threat.
The tone was set early on as Leinster withstood some heavy Quins pressure on their own line and from thereon in Marcus Smith was simply unable to weave his magic. That out-to-in blitz completely shut off his options and the visitors simply ended up in reverse with pretty much every attack.
Lions fly-half battle
It was billed as a showdown between two potential British and Irish Lions fly-halves but there was only one winner, unfortunately for Smith. In fairness, we doubt Andy Farrell will judge too harshly on Saturday’s effort, given that Leinster are effectively an international side, but he was never given a chance to display his class.
On Saturday in Dublin it was very much the Sam Prendergast show as the playmaker, away from the pressure of the Six Nations and against a lesser side, was able to dictate proceedings. The fly-half was significantly helped by his team-mates, who all put in excellent shifts, but there were several nice touches from Prendergast.
No doubt his biggest test if he is to be selected on the Lions tour will come later in this competition – the semi-final and potentially the final – where Leinster are expected to feature. However, you have to give him immense credit for responding to what was a tough Six Nations by producing a fine performance here.
Test intensity
It was not a poor Harlequins outfit on paper. They had several internationals and other players, such as Jack Kenningham, could well put themselves in contention for England honours, but there is a gulf between the squads the respective teams were able to field.
Every one of Leinster’s 23 has earned international caps, with only Max Deegan, Luke McGrath and Ross Byrne not currently in the Ireland equation. They could even afford the rather ridiculous luxury of putting an All Blacks star, Jordie Barrett, on the bench. There is an argument to say that this Leinster side – with the additions of RG Snyman and Barrett – would do better than Ireland in the Six Nations.
Many of those individuals showcased their class with Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park probably the two standouts. But you can go down the whole team and look at how they significantly impacted the match.
In the back five of the scrum alone, Joe McCarthy and Snyman were brutal in the loose while Jack Conan continued his fine season and Caelan Doris was influential on both sides of the ball after a slightly subpar Six Nations by his high standards.
Disruption and belief
For Harlequins, it was always going to be an immensely difficult task and so it proved, but equally nothing went right for the Londoners. There was continual disruption via injuries and HIAs, and they were simply unable to get anything going.
However, they should not be absolved of criticism, despite the odds being stacked against them, as the intensity was lacking and the game plan just seemed odd – Leigh Halfpenny’s penalty opportunity which fell well short was testament to the team’s confusion. Much of it was down to the brilliance of Leinster but there was not a surety in their style and what they were trying to achieve with every action.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/leinster-v-harlequins-five-takeaways-as-irish-province-a-scarier-proposition-thanks-to-jacques-nienaber-while-there-was-only-one-winner-in-key-lions-battle
