Leinster extended their unbeaten run to 16 wins in all competitions as they beat Cardiff 42-24 at the Aviva Stadium.
Despite having a lot of players away with the Ireland squad, Leo Cullen was still able to name a strong side, including new Ireland international Jack Boyle and Frenchman Rabah Slimani as Springbok RG Snyman came off the bench.
It was a close game in the first half as Leinster suffered two sucker punches as Harri Millard and Thomas Young scored to tries after John McKee's opener to give Cardiff a lead as halftime loomed. However it was that man Jack Boyle who was on hand to receive an offload from Luke McGrath to crash over the line with the last play of the half as a Ross Byrne conversion gave Leinster a 14-12 lead heading into the break.
The turning point would come early in the second half as Cardiff substitute flanker Alex Mann was yellow carded as he cynically stopped a linebreak in an offside position. Max Deegan scored a try nearly immediately after and Leinster would get 2 more from Luke McGrath and Charlie Tector before Mann's return as Leinster had the game pretty much sewn up from that point.
Cardiff got two more tries to get a bonus point before Rob Russell scored on his return from injury to continue Leinster's unbeaten run and tighten their grip at the top of the URC.
"I'm Sorry For My Brothers": Rabah Slimani Has Message For Irish Teammates Ahead Of France Clash
Leinster made a lot of headlines with their signings of RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett last summer but one of the most crucial additions Leinster made was the signing of Rabah Slimani. The Frenchman was on his way to retire and take up a coaching position at Clermont but with Leinster looking desperate for tighthead cover following Michael Alaalatoa's departure, Slimani became the first French player to play for an Irish province.
Rather than just being another name in Leinster's depth chart, Slimani has made a huge impact in Dublin. The Frenchman's scrummaging has given Leinster another dimension to their game as they now dominate at scrum time and win multiple scrum penalties, which have been crucial in wins against the likes of La Rochelle and Munster. His performance has even seen him receive a call-up to the France squad for the Six Nations, though he didn't play a minute of the campaign and was dropped ahead of France's trip to Dublin next week.
Speaking to RTÉ after the win against Cardiff, Slimani spoke about his happiness with his Leinster experience as well as the sides' progress so far this season.
I'm happy today because we win with a bonus, that was the objective for the team and we have continued our progression for the season and it's good for the young lads, Oliver and Ivan, I'm happy for them.
I'm the first French player to play for Leinster, that's a very incredible experience for me and I just enjoy it, to learn the Irish rugby, to learn the Irish life that's very good and I'm very happy.
When asked has he had banter with his Leinster team ahead of next week's Six Nations clash between Ireland and France, Rabah Slimani let it be known that he will be in blue come Saturday.
A little bit yeah. I'm sorry for my brothers here, but I support France. Good luck to the Irish.
Everyone is probably still thinking about next week but these fallow weeks are vital for Leinster if they are to go far in the URC as well as Europe and to get another 2 wins during the Six Nations sets them up well for the run-in. Can this finally be the season they end their trophy drought?
