How we rated Leinster after squeezing past Bath in the Champions Cup quarter-final
How we rated Leinster after squeezing past Bath in the Champions Cup quarter-final

How we rated Leinster after squeezing past Bath in the Champions Cup quarter-final

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Rob Kearney – 5 

Was beaten for pace by George Ford for the opening try, wasted a good counter-attacking opportunity with a wayward kick in the second half and was stripped in contact by Matt Banahan early in the first. Not a good day for the fullback.

Fergus McFadden – 6

Would have gotten a higher score had he not been forced off with a suspected concussion. Lit up Anthony Watson with a big hit on half time and was busy throughout.

Ben Te’o – 6

Leinster didn’t have a whole lot of attacking possession so Te’o didn’t get that many opportunities to impress. Had two early carries – one was good and he was stripped on the other – and although he tried to get involved, the game never really opened up for him.

Ian Madigan – 9

Banished the Murrayfield kicking disappointment with a clinical display off the tee today. Has been the best kicker in the Champions Cup this season and it’s the reason Leinster are still in the competition.

Luke Fitzgerald – 7

His footwork was sharp and he tried his best to hunt down Ford in the build-up to Bath’s second try. Leinster struggled to create a whole lot but Fitzgerald looked the most likely.

Jimmy Gopperth – 6

His kicking game was mixed and he tried to create things for his centres, but couldn’t find much space in the Bath defence.

Isaac Boss – 7

Had one poor kick out on the full but his passing was sharp and he delivered quick service to his backs.

Cian Healy – 9

He was the quieter of the returning bash brothers during the Six Nations but was back to his all-action best today. He was a bull in the loose and his scrummaging was superb.

Sean Cronin – 8

Had one errant throw in Bath territory early on but was a bullet in the loose and showed nice hands. Looks like he’s shot out of a cannon at times.

Mike Ross – 8

The Ross Renaissance continues. Another solid outing for the 35-year-old and he played his part in a destructive scrum. Even had his usual cameo in the loose when he dove on a loose ball like a marine jumping on a grenade.

Devin Toner – 5

Was badly exposed by George Ford twice and those were the scores that had Leinster hanging on at the end.

Mike McCarthy – 7

One of his better outings this season. He was quick off the line on a number of occasions to shut down Bath attacks.

Jordi Murphy – 8

Murphy is getting better with every game. He carried over the gain line regularly, tackled well and cleared out efficiently at the breakdown.

Sean O’Brien – 7

Had one nice turnover in the first half and some nice tackles but didn’t get the ball in his hands as much as he would have hoped.

Jamie Heaslip – 8

Heaslip got through his usual work-rate and slowed down Bath’s possession excellently.

Replacements:

Marty Moore was excellent, winning penalties at the scrum and at a crucial ruck late on.

Zane Kirchner didn’t make the most of Leinster’s best chance to score a try early in the second half.

Richardt Strauss was lucky not to be penalised at the final breakdown.

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Jack McGrath relieved Healy well while Eoin Reddan was fortunate his blocked down clearance wasn’t turned into a late Bath try.

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