Leinster took to the Aviva Stadium in their Investec Champions Cup pool game against Bath on Saturday 18th January. The Blues were unbeaten in the pool stage and had already guaranteed themselves a home game in the round of 16, whilst Bath needed this game to fight off Clermont, Bristol and Benetton from attaining that 3rd place spot.
All eyes were on ex Leinster player and Bath’s Number 5 Ross Malony as this was his first game against Leinster since his move to England. Earlier in the week prop Andrew Porter jokingly said in an interview: ‘‘I might have a few words with Ross Molony at the bottom of a ruck”.
The hunger was made clear from the get-go as the English side got off to a strong start. Number 8 Alfie Barbeary opened the scoring early on for Bath. This lead was doubled a few minutes later, with Leinster feeling shell shocked in the opening quarter.
Leinster came back with a very positive and well worked on set piece from a lineout had the ball spread out wide for Leinster’s outside centre Robbie Henshaw who scored Leinster’s opening try. Sam Prendergast converted shortly after.
There were worries for both Scotland and Bath as Finn Russell headed to the dressing rooms for a HIA. The out-half is one of Scotland’s biggest assets. Robbie Henshaw doubled his tally just 6 minutes later, with a try in a big response by Leinster. The game was now completely open
After a nasty head collision between Beno Obano and Jameson Gibson-Park led to the Bath forward being sent to the sin-bin with a yellow card. Gibson-Park carried on and Leinster took advantage when Jack Conan scored soon after.
Bath answered back shortly before half-time with a try that almost nullified the yellow card and gave Bath the lead going into the half.
Blockbuster signing RG Snyman replaced James Ryan soon after the half and made an instant impact. Ten minutes later, Leinster were now in the lead and looking to take control.
A series of repeat scrum infringements lead to a second yellow for prop Beno Obano, ultimately seeing red. Centre Gary Ringrose made sure to make use of that extra space and awarded Leinster a bonus point try and giving a 12-point lead to the Irish side.
Leinster fought off the challenge from the Premiership side and scored a brace of tries to finish off the game and ultimately top the pool.
Full time: Leinster 41- 21 Bath
Unfortunately, after a well fought battle, this sees Bath sitting in 5th place in the pool stage. Leinster are still unbeaten.
Bath captain Ben Spencer had some inspirational words in the post-match conference room: “I’m hugely proud of this team and it’s an honour to lead this group week in, week out. We’ve a long way to go this season but we’re still fighting for three competitions, and we’ll take confidence from the first half today.”
by