Leinster player ratings v Zebre Parma: Jordie Barrett ‘proves his worth’ in record-breaking win
Jordie Barrett crossing for Leinster against Zebre Parma.
Following a record-breaking 76-5 victory over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at the Aviva Stadium, here’s our player ratings for Leinster.
Leinster player ratings
15 Jamie Osborne: Grew into the game as it wore on and deserved his two tries, showing good pace down the right wing for his first before supporting well for the second late on. Also pitched in with a breakdown penalty at one point to keep Zebre at bay, showing he is the complete player. 8
14 Jimmy O’Brien: Relished his return to the side as he took namesake Tommy’s jersey today. Always a willing runner and played a significant role in Ciaran Frawley’s try. 7
13 Garry Ringrose: Carried hard as the recently named British & Irish Lions tourist celebrated his call-up with a solid 49-minute showing before being replaced by Robbie Henshaw. 6
12 Jordie Barrett: Player of the Match and rightly so as he grabbed this start with both hands. Barrett ran an intelligent support line for his first try, taking the pass from Sam Prendergast, before he hit a short line for his second. The All Blacks star almost got a third but turned provider, sending his fly-half over instead in one of two assists. A class act who proved his worth as a Leinster starter today. 9
11 James Lowe: Took his try well in the first half and had his usual infectious personality to drive the team on. Probably would have wanted to see more ball but it wasn’t forthcoming. 7
10 Sam Prendergast: A nice assist for the Barrett try and, as mentioned, the All Black repaid the favour early in second half. A classy outing from Prendergast, who responded well after his Lions snub. 7
9 Luke McGrath: Scrum-halves dream of platforms such as this and McGrath’s job was simple today; provide quick front-foot ball. His evening was disrupted by a HIA which he passed in an overall decent outing. 6
The forwards
8 Jack Conan: Was a physical presence throughout as he looks to prove to Andy Farrell he is his man against the Wallabies in the absence of Caelan Doris. Played the full 80 minutes, racking up 21 carries with his best saved until the death as he bust the line before setting up Osborne for the record-breaking score. 8
7 Josh van der Flier: Such a ball of energy and Van der Flier was everywhere once again as he added to his recent hot streak of tries, finishing well early in the second period. Another industrious outing that lasted 49 minutes before he got to put his feet up. 7
6 Ryan Baird: Was prominent in the early knockings and his tireless shift was iced by a powerful try assist for replacement James Culhane. Could be key for Ireland in the summer. 8
5 Diarmuid Mangan: A solid if not spectacular performance as he did not stand out as many of his team-mates did. Will have relished this full game in the blue jersey though. 5
4 Joe McCarthy: Busy with tenacious carries early on as he got through plenty of work, possibly in the knowledge that he would not last the 80. One of several replaced before the 50-minute mark. 7
3 Tom Clarkson: Did his core duties well and the Ireland international most definitely has a bright future, especially as he continues to learn from Tadhg Furlong and Rabah Slimani. 6
2 Ronan Kelleher: The recently named British & Irish Lions squad member enjoyed a try-scoring outing as he opened Leinster’s account and was solid in his other work before being replaced. 7
1 Jack Boyle: Some believe he should have been in the squad last weekend, such is his form this season. He was solid at scrum time and showed some nice touches with ball in hand. 6
Replacements: Many added impact off the bench as Jamison Gibson-Park’s cameo in the first half caught the eye while Culhane and Frawley were amongst the tries in the second period. Henshaw was also busy with ball in hand as the substitutes helped turn the screw. 7
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