mens
investec-champions-cup
Leinster have launched their own Investec Champions Cup campaign in style with an impressive 48-23 victory Clermont ASM at Stade Marcel-Michelin.
Leo Cullen’s outfit turned a one-point half-time deficit into a comfortable five-point lead in Group 1, the Irish heavyweights laying down a marker in their bid to return to the top of European rugby. While it was far from a polished effort from the URC champions, the nature of the win suggests last year’s finalists will have a say in where the trophy ends up at the end of the season.
The visitors started quickly and opened the scoring after nine minutes when Tadhg Furlong headed over from close range to take care of a great clearance from the excellent Fintan Gunne and Sam Prendergast added the conversion.
Clermont hit back with the boot of Harry Plummer, whose penalties kept the hosts at bay despite Leinster enjoying the advantage of territory and possession.
Dan Sheehan extended Leinster’s lead in the 27th minute after reacting quickest to a mistake in the Clermont line, but the French side stayed in the contest. Winger Joris Jurand crossed soon after and, with the help of additional penalties by Plummer, the home team took a 16-15 lead at the break.
Despite going behind, Leinster looked the more dangerous side. After the interval, Prendergast and Jimmy O’Brien combined regularly to stretch the Clermont defense and their influence told immediately after the restart when Prendergast, after spotting a mismatch in midfield, put the ball on the ball. O’Brien kept the ball in play before cutting it back inside to Prendergast, who crossed for a great try. The fly-half converted his own score to put the Irish province back in front.
Arguably the defining moment came midway through the second half when Clermont prop Nohem Ez Zahouany was booked for the collapse of a dominant Leinster tackle on the home line, while Andrew Porter and Furlong turned the screw. Referee Matthew Carley awarded a penalty.
It didn’t take long for Leinster to make their numerical advantage count, Sheehan grabbing his second try of the afternoon from the drive.
Clermont substitute Mathys Belaubre gave the home crowd a brief glimmer of hope in the 64th minute, but chances of a comeback disappeared almost immediately. After the restart Jack Conan burst through two defenders to restore Leinster’s momentum and Prendergast’s conversion extended the lead once more.
Tommy O’Brien then crossed late on to complete the scoring as Leinster finished with six tries and five valuable contests earned on the road.
