Leinster enjoyed yet another routine win in the URC, running out 29-7 winners against the Ospreys this evening at the RDS.
With wins usually in the bag before kick-off, especially when playing at home, these matches are best watched with the purpose of looking out for the next young star, or proven stars coming back from injury.
This game provided both but was particularly memorable for the return of Leinster winger James Lowe. The ever-popular Irish international made his return from injury and marked it with a screamer of a try in the 56th minute.
Magnificent Leinster
Shortly after coming on, Leinster found themselves with a scrum in their own 22, Ross Byrne, who had a commanding performance at outhalf, launched a cross-field kick to the in-form Jimmy O’Brien. After taking the kick, O’Brien popped it to Lowe who found himself acres of open ground in front of him, a winger’s dream.
The crowd who had braved the rain and cold needed Lowe to finish the move and he duly delivered. After beating the final Osprey’s defender with a powerful he step dotted down for Leinster’s third try.
Just like he never left 😏@JamesLowe_03 is BACK#URC | #LEIvOSP | @leinsterrugby pic.twitter.com/Ydf92iQUN4
— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) February 19, 2022
Lowe’s return now gives Andy Farrell the headache all head coaches dream of.
Mack Hansen, who has started on Ireland’s left wing in place of an injured Lowe, has been a revelation so far in this year’s Six Nations.
With Lowe now back and looking match sharp, Farrell will now have to choose between two game breaking wingers, both of whom are capable of creating chances from nothing.
Leinster scored their first try this evening in the 20th minute through Jordan Larmour after he got on the end of a Ross Byrne grubber. Cian Healy provided the second from close range, before Lowe got the third, and the prolific Scott Penny got over for their fourth.
The result leaves Leinster at the top of the URC table with 40 points after 10 games.
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