After the loss to Bulls ended their win streak in the United Rugby Championship, victory against the Sharks was a much needed boost for Leinster, and that was exemplified by their post-match celebrations.
After the majority of the first members of the travelling squad went home after the first week in South Africa, Leinster were only left with players who were primarily substitutes or debutants to face a team that was full of international players. It was a surprising win and the celebrations reflected the shock and elation of the players.
The most notable was captain Max Deegan swan-diving into a pitchside swimming pool after a heroic performance saw him named Player of the Match.
Check out the video here.
Henry McErlean, an academy back in his second year of playing for URC's top team, as well as the player who dived in after Deegan, described the excitement of the moment when speaking with Leinster Rugby.
To bounce back and win, that was one of the best days of my career.
We lost the week before and with a few lads going home, not many people expected us to win. So, it was great to get the win in the fashion we did.
I just basically said I’d follow Deego if he went in. He ended up going in. He kind of called my bluff, so I had to go in then. I’m glad no one got hurt.
It was such a bad flip that it was nearly good because I landed on my back. Deego did a swan dive. That’s a memory I won’t forget.
Showing his loyalty even after the final whistle was blown, the 22-year-old charged in after his captain without hesitation.
Fans were a bit shocked online, calling the dives very dangerous and worried for the safety of the players, but it is safe to say the heat of the moment got to the winners of the day.
Next up, Leinster face Harlequins in the Last 16 on the Champions Cup in Croke Park on Saturday. Deegan, McErlean, and company will be hoping that it will be a performance worth another swandive and more to come.
