Irish galacticos on song as Leicester are sent packing
The Rugby Paper|April 09, 2023
LEINSTER, supercharged by Garry Ringrose on his return from injury, strolled into the Champions Cup semi-final in a style which suggests they will be claiming a fifth title next month. 
BRENDAN GALLAGHER
Irish galacticos on song as Leicester are sent packing

Fielding the rump of Ireland’s Grand Slam side, most of them rested and refreshed after their labour in green, Leinster played at a pace way beyond Tigers and demonstrated enviable continuity in everything they did.

Remarkably there were periods when, by their standards, they went off the boil, yet still they had the firepower to accumulate 55 points against last year’s Premiership champions. They are an awesome machine when fully revved up.

Tigers fought the good fight until half-time when, at 17-10 down, they were just about in touch but got blown away after the break when the Irish galacticos really went to work.

The process started when Leinster scored 10 unanswered points when reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes after a yellow card to Caelan Doris – perhaps that was the challenge they needed to engage top gear – and the writing was well and truly on the wall after that.

Leinster seemingly scored at their leisure thereafter although Tigers did manage a couple of tries themselves to keep the score semi respectable.

It was Ringrose, looking fully restored to rude health after a month out with a concussion, who set the tone from the off as he sprinted home after a remorseless 11-phase Leinster attack after Mike Brown had fumbled the kickoff.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView all
Stade are heading in right direction
The Rugby Paper

Stade are heading in right direction

IS there an early winter equivalent to the idiom about solitary swallows and the impending arrival of summer? Because – whatever it might be, something involving snowflakes, perhaps, or frosts – that’s the situation at Stade Francais right now.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Borthwick needs to sort out defence
The Rugby Paper

Borthwick needs to sort out defence

WELL surprise, surprise England at last managed to win at home in front of a nearly full Allianz stadium even if it was against a team that they had thrashed just a few months earlier.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge
The Rugby Paper

Rowland is gearing up for world cup challenge

HELENA Rowland believes England Women have been given advance warning that next year’s Rugby World Cup is to be no formality.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
All my energy is going into Beziers
The Rugby Paper

All my energy is going into Beziers

IT’S a dream to be a part-share owner of AS Beziers Hérault, the 11-time French champions, along with Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Fylde left to count cost of the cards
The Rugby Paper

Fylde left to count cost of the cards

LEEDS TYKES were thankful for their resolute defence as they clung on to claim a narrow win against Fylde.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings
The Rugby Paper

O'Grady glad to learn his trade in tough surroundings

EXETER University flyhalf Lewis O’Grady is enjoying the physicality of National 2 West and insists it is the best preparation for his transition to senior rugby after graduation.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham
The Rugby Paper

It's Bristol or nothing for me - Cunningham

PROUD Bristolian Hollie Cunningham hopes to inspire the next generation of Bears players and can’t see herself ever playing for anyone else.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Bristol hit heights to take down champions
The Rugby Paper

Bristol hit heights to take down champions

BRISTOL Bears head coach Dave Ward could not hide his delight following an impressive victory over reigning PWR champions Gloucester Hartpury at Kingsholm.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Good to see the Eagles soaring again
The Rugby Paper

Good to see the Eagles soaring again

THAT’S a wrap for the autumn Tests and it would be remiss not to scroll through the undercard and round up the best of the action outside of the A list matches. A quick crib sheet for those not paying attention at the back.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash
The Rugby Paper

Thomas ready for Edinburgh clash

FRESH from his dream Wales debut, Freddie Thomas has set his sights on helping Gloucester conquer Europe.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024