| Leinster (21) 40 |
| Tries: Kearney 3, Russell 3, Milne & McKee Cons: R Byrne 4, H Byrne |
| Glasgow (0) 5 |
| Try: Cancelliere |
Unbeaten Leinster extend their lead at the top in the United Rugby Championship by winning convincingly against Glasgow in Dublin.
Leinster scored 21 first-half unanswered goals, with Rob Russell crossing the try line twice after Dave Kearney had opened the game.
After the break, Sebastian Cancelliere scored for Glasgow before Russell completed his hat trick.
Leinster’s victory was completed by John McKee and Michael Milne.
This was the Warriors’ first match with the Irish side since June’s calamitous 76-14 URC semi-final loss.
Glasgow fought back this time but it was a difficult test due to ill-discipline, injuries to the squad and players returning from international duty.
Leo Cullen’s side was missing several of their international front-line players following the fall series in Ireland, but the hosts had enough firepower on the bench to score a comfortable bonus points win.
Leinster also welcomed back Ronan Kelleher from fit-again Ireland, who was playing his first game since September.
Leinster gets off to a flying start
Leinster started off with a great start thanks to Kearney, who was supported by a fantastic 20-yard bounce pass from Jamie Osbourne, fullback.
The home side’s momentum began with a strong surge and deft touchline onload from Charlie Ngatai. It allowed Russell to cross for his first attempt of the evening.
Rob Russell was able to add minutes to his score thanks to Luke McGrath’s sniping blindside running and incisive pass.
Glasgow was able to grow in the game both in terms of territory and possession but could not capitalize on any meaningful possessions.
Leo Cullen, Leinster coach, was disappointed that his side didn’t have enough discipline to give Glasgow a chance of winning. Leinster was let down by unforced mistakes on several occasions.
The second half began with Glasgow intent. Gregor Brown crashed over from a rolling maul, but it was ruled out as obstruction after a TMO review.
The visitors won the match just minutes later, with Cancelliere, a winger, scoring the only goal of the evening.
Leinster quickly made the game impossible with a try by replacement prop Milne. He crashed over from close range in a reward for Leinster pressure. Russel then scored his hat-trick following Chris Cosgrave’s skillful assist.
McKee, a replacement hooker, added the cherry to the cake with a 79th minute try. He had just received a chip kick as Leinster prepared for the match against Ulster.
Leinster: Jamie Osborne, Rob Russell and Charlie Ngatai; Dave Kearney, Ross Byrne and Luke McGrath; Ed Byrne & Ronan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Ross Molony, Joe McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock (capt), Scott Penny & Max Deegan
Replacements: John McKee and Michael Milne. Vakh Abdaladze. Jason Jenkins. Ryan Baird. Cormac Foley. Harry Byrne. Chris Cosgrave.
Glasgow: Josh McKay; Sebastian Cancelliere, Kyle Steyn (capt), Stafford McDowall, Rufus McLean; Tom Jordan, George Horne; Oli Kebble, Fraser Brown, Murphy Walker; Sintu Manjezi, Alex Samuel; Gregor Brown, Sione Vailanu, Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: Johnny Matthews, Jamie Bhatti, Simon Berghan, JP du Preez, Lewis Bean, Euan Ferrie, Jamie Dobie, Ross Thompson.