Leinster got back to winning ways in the URC last night with a 33-7 home win over interpro rivals Connacht.
It was an emotional night at the RDS as Leinster fans waved goodbye to Rhys Ruddock, Ross Molony, Michael Ala'alatoa and Ed Byrne who all depart from the Dublin side at the end oif the season. It was also Leinster's last game at the RDS before it goes under renovations and the temporary move to the Aviva Stadium next season.
The game could also go down as the day Sam Prendergast first made his mark on this Leinster team. The highly touted prospect started at 10 and while it wasn't his first game in blue, it was arguably the biggest stage he's been on for Leinster and he shone.
Prendergast was pulling the strings with ease as Leinster raced to a 21-0 lead in the first half with the Kildare man playing an instrumental role in Jimmy O'Brien's first try when he glided across the Connacht defence to slip the fullback in to score.
Sam Prendergast the architect. 😍 Jimmy O'Brien with the power. 💪#BKTURC #URC | #RaceToTheEight | #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/FCYslkrmgn
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 31, 2024
A further two tries in the second half from Dan Sheehan and O'Brien again saw Leinster get the bonus point win while Connacht are now out of contention for the URC playoffs and Champions Cup rugby.
Coming into this match the rumour mill was spinning with speculation that Prendergast would make a sensational loan move to Connacht next season, with Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber confirming that talks had taken place between both parties.
However on the morning of the game rumours popped up online that the move was now off and after his performance last night, it's clear to see why Leinster are reportedly keen to keep the 21-year old around next season.
Sam Prendergast also got to line up against his brother Cian, with the two sharing a moment after the match.
31 May 2024; Brothers Sam Prendergast of Leinster and Cian Prendergast of Connacht embrace after the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Connacht at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Speaking on Leinster's channel after the match he talked about how special it was for the two brothers to play against each other for the first time.
Yeah it was class, the game around Christmas I was devastated to be left out cause I knew all my family were going and Cian was playing. But it was great when I knew I was playing, there's a good bit of family in the crowd.
Yeah I never played with him or against him in rugby, only in football for our football club so it was great to play against him and yeah I tried to run away from him!
"Three years ago, Rhys Ruddock was my coach!" 💬
Sam Prendergast talks about the impact the departing Leinster players have had on the squad, and playing against his brother for the very first time. 🔵#LEIvCON #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/RQn2NXoWnn
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) May 31, 2024
Friday's win has temporarily moved Leinster to top spot of the URC table and they can stay there if Munster and the Bulls fail to win. With the URC quarterfinal taking place next weekend it will be interesting to see if Sam Prendergast will be in contention and get the nod in a knockout match.
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