Jacques Nienaber effect kicks in as Leinster find their defensive edge - and sharpen their attack before a fully engaged 51,700 crowd at the Aviva Stadium
Leinster's Dan Sheehan celebrates with Jamie Osborne after scoring a try at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/InphoAlmost 12 minutes into this Champions Cup semi-final, Tawera Kerr-Barlow fed big, bad Will Skelton, Leinster’s supposed kryptonite, near halfway. Tadhg Furlong tackled the lumbering Wallaby lock and dumped him on the ground, prompting a loud roar.
Even after Kerr-Barlow’s kick, La Rochelle countered dangerously through Dillyn Leyds and Teddy Thomas before Jason Jenkins’ scrambling tackle on the scrumhalf led to the rejuvenated Jordan Larmour winning a turnover penalty. “They get excited by guys coming in with big hits, which is good,” agreed Leo Cullen afterwards. “Tadgh Furlong, at the outset, sort of set the tone by picking up Skelton and driving him back, and putting in a big hit shortly after that as well. And he talked well this week, Tadhg. He showed great leadership.
And so it came to pass, in Leinster’s 13th game and the 14th week since the arrival of the dual World Cup-winning coach, that his team delivered their statement defensive performance to date.
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