Leinster player ratings: Ireland stars fail to show up despite James Lowe’s best efforts

Following a 25-20 defeat to the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, here are the player ratings for Leinster.

15 Jimmy O’Brien: He was solid in the backfield and tried to spark the Leinster, but he was dealt with pretty well. One of their brighter sparks, however. 6

14 Jordan Larmour: Quiet generally, albeit an effective chaser. Just didn’t get his hands on the ball enough in space to make an impact. 6

13 Garry Ringrose: First match for three months, and it showed. Defended reasonably well but was very quiet in attack. Not the playmaking threat they needed. 5

12 Robbie Henshaw: Some bruising carries and put in some decent shots in defence in what was an interesting battle with the Bulls Harold Vorster and David Kriel. 6

Leinster’s best

11 James Lowe: Considering Leinster were on the back foot for the most part, Lowe was very impressed. Easily their biggest threat on Saturday. 8

10 Ross Byrne: Get Sam Prendergast in there next season. Leo Cullen’s lack of trust in the youngster this season has potentially cost them here. Unfortunately, Byrne isn’t quite cutting it in these big games. 4

9 Jamison Gibson-Park: Even when the rest of the side aren’t firing, Gibson-Park seems to play well. His accurate box-kicking and sharp decision-making got them into good areas, it’s just that his team-mates let him down. 8

Outplayed

8 Caelan Doris: In general, a disappointing performance from the Ireland star, who was completely outplayed by the Bulls’ outstanding number eight Cameron Hanekom. 5

7 Josh van der Flier: Fortunate not to be penalised on a couple of occasions for some sneaky breakdown tactics, but he got away with it as all good opensides do. Other than that, Van der Flier was tireless and made his tackles. 6

6 Ryan Baird: One of their better performers in the pack. Made a few dents with his carries and had an influence in the lineout, as well as getting around the field well. 7

Bulls player ratings: ‘Heroic’ Hanekom, front row hammers Springboks selection door down

5 James Ryan (c): Leinster’s lineout general, who began to have an influence in the second period in that area. Nearly proved decisive, but Bulls managed to sort it out. 7

4 Joe McCarthy: Always plays on the edge, but this time fell on the wrong side of the line on too many occasions in Pretoria. 6

Scrum disaster

3 Tadhg Furlong: Dominated a scrum-time and not much to offer in the loose, one decent carry aside. Furlong’s form may well be a concern for both Leinster and Ireland. 5

2 Dan Sheehan: Some decent moments from the hooker, but quieter than he has been over the past 12 months. 5

1 Andrew Porter: Was annihilated by Wilco Louw in the set-piece as he failed to impact the game in any capacity. Porter was busy but it says a lot about Leinster’s faith, or lack of, in a 36-year-old Cian Healy that he was allowed to 73 minutes at altitude. 4

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher and Michael Alaalatoa helped sort out their scrum issues, while Jamie Osborne was very good. However, the playmaker should have been on much earlier. 6

READ MORE: Brilliant Bulls reach second United Rugby Championship final as Leinster fail yet again