Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Game, set, match: Rob Kearney scores number three
Related links
Teams
- Leinster
Also see
- Min-by-min at RDS
- Priestland set for eight weeks of rehabilitation
Leinster were crowned 2013 Amlin Challenge Cup champions on Friday after a convincing 34-13 victory over Stade Français in the final at the RDS in Dublin.
The three-time Heineken Cup champions simply never looked like losing after racing into a convincing early lead.
Despite the absence of talisman Brian O'Driscoll due to a back spasm, Leinster were still able to field four Lions in Rob Kearney, Sean O'Brien, Cian Healy and captain Jamie Heaslip.
The silverware will come as some consolation for the Irish club after they failed to defend their Heineken Cup title, meaning that for a brief time they hold both the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cup titles for less than 24 hours.
The result also has wider implications as it means Perpignan and Connacht will play in the Heineken Cup next season while Stade Français and London Wasps will spend another term in the Challenge Cup.
Stade enjoyed large periods of possession throughout the opening 40 minutes but were unable to make the most of the chances, young fly-half Jules Plisson continuing to misfire in the absence of experienced figures such as Felipe Contepomi.
Leinster however had no such problem when it came to hitting their targets. Isa Nacewa's burst through the centre of the Stade defence opened the scoring after four minutes, passing inside to Jonathan Sexton and onto Ian Madigan for the game's opening try.
Stade toiled to make their mark with a try of their own thanks to strong carrying from the likes of Rabah Slimani, Gerhard Mostert and the exceptional Sergio Parisse, but it was to no avail as Paul Williams was narrowly held up short of the line.
Leinster instead romping upfield and notching up their second five-pointer thanks to Sean Cronin.
The Ireland hooker pounced after Issac Boss' box kick was gathered by Andrew Conway, the winger offloading for Cronin to run in under the posts.
With a third try then slamming the nail apparently into Stade's coffin, Leinster were rampant in front of an unsurprisingly partisan home crowd.
Sexton would have ensured Warren Gatland looked on with a smile as his pinpoint cross-field kick was collected by Nacewa, the departing cult hero offloading to Rob Kearney who dove into the corner.
With Leinster ahead 21-0, Jerome Porical's penalty before half-time gave Stade the slimmest of lifelines at the interval.
Two penalties from Sexton after the break countered a further three points from Porical to leave Leinster comfortably in front, before Jérémy Sinzelle - Stade's best threat along with Hugo Bonneval - sealed a consolation score added some respectability to the proceedings.
Leinster rightly however had the final say - a substitute Lion in Healy burrowing over for the fourth try that left Leinster 34-13 ahead, sealing their fourth European title in five years.
With the careers of coach Joe Schmidt, Sexton and Nacewa coming to an end, it was fitting the two players lifted the trophy facing the rest of their squad.
The Schmidt era will go down as one of great success, but one more trophy awaits - a RaboDirect Pro12 title decider against Ulster next weekend.
The scorers:
For Leinster:
Tries: Madigan, Cronin, R Kearney, Healy
Cons: Sexton 4
Pens: Sexton 2
For Stade Français:
Try: Sinzelle
Con: Plisson
Pens: Porical 2
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Fergus McFadden, 12 Ian Madigan, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Quinn Roux, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Jamie Hagan, 19 Leo Cullen, 20 Shane Jennings, 21 John Cooney, 22 Andrew Goodman, 23 David Kearney.
Stade Français: 15 Jerome Porical, 14 Jérémy Sinzelle, 13 Geoffrey Doumayrou, 12 Paul Williams, 11 Hugo Bonneval, 10 Jules Plisson, 9 Julien Dupuy, 8 Sergio Parisse , 7 Pierre Rabadan, 6 David Lyons, 5 Scott Lavalla, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Laurent Sempere, 1 Aled de Malmanche.
Replacements: 16 Remi Bonfils, 17 Stanley Wright, 18 Jérémy Becasseau, 19 Anton van Zyl, 20 Lei Tomiki, 21 Waisea Nayacalevu, 22 Julien Arias, 23 Paul Warwick.
Venue: RDS, Dublin
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wal)
Assistant referees: Leighton Hodges (Wal), Ian Davies (Wal)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (Wal)
Citing Commissioner: Maurizio Vancini (Ita)
Comments
rugby_rockstar says...
"KERSPLAT!!!!!"
thats the sound of the Leinster Sledgehammer coming down on Stade Francaise.
Like I said on Friday, it was just like droping a great white shark in your fish pond. That team would have given either Clermont or Toulon a seriously tough match in Saturdays Cup Final.
There's no doubt that the irish provinces build brilliant towards May. They are vulnerable in rounds 1 & 2 though. the perfect draw anginst them would be round 1 in dublin, get 'em when they rusty.
Posted 12:45 20th May 2013
Dub_Len_Irl says...
Delighted with the win , great to get some silverware. Obviously I'd love to win the pro12 too , but that is a big ask. I could live with not winning it (don¿t want to be too greedy ), but I don't know if I could take loosing 4 Pro12 finals in a row though ...
As regards the signings and departures I feel we have to have faith in Joe S. and in his dealings , and please remember in the first year at Leinster Mike Ross , Strauss and even going back to Stan ...all had tough first years and did not play much nor show what they could do...so I live in hope that Quinn Roux and M Bent develop.
Goodman seems very good - solid , I like what I see.
Posted 01:41 20th May 2013
GCP_JONES says...
@leinster goy....
I agree with on Ben Marshall could be injured?. but can any Leinster supportor explain whats going on with Jamie Hagan headin to London Irish?, he's the back-up for Ross yet we're holdin onto M Bent?.
Posted 16:52 19th May 2013
crunchfit says...
@GCP_JONES
Well, judging whether or not they were poor depends on what you expected of them. None of them were meant to be XV players. Well, maybe Roux down the line. He has been injured but appears solid. He remains an option for the future. Denton is there to fill the gaps. Bent was always a wildcard, not too concerned about him. Goodman is the only one to exceed expectations, but the rest have done what was expected of them. Can't complain. Leinster have had poor signings, not this year though.
I'm not sure what you base that on. The skill sets and athleticism are increasing overall down the age groups.
Go and have a look for yourself and see if he actually is, rather than making the same hypothetical point again.
Posted 14:20 19th May 2013
3in4 says...
@Toulousain You're the one who has the chip on your shoulder about Leinster. You are so obsessed you remember irrelevant details from matches that took place years ago. Jammy drop goal by Rob Kearney in Bordeaux? Lol what are you on about. Why so hung up about a draw in Montpellier two years ago, or yellow cards in the 2011 final? You've clearly got some psychological issues my friend. Get yourself some professional help. Like I said before, if the Planet Rugby editors had any sense they wouldnt publish your crap at all. Oh and thanks for the kisses by the way, lol whats all that about
Posted 12:48 19th May 2013
leinster_goy says...
GCP_JONES
my understanding is that even project players are counted as NIEs unless and until they become irish-qualified. Straussy was still counted in the NIE quota until last september
i'm not too enamoured with Roux so far, although he was injured at the start of the season and then dislocated his shoulder in november. he might turn out to be a good investment eventually, provided he stays fit
i was actually surprised to hear recently that Mark Flanagan is leaving at the end of the season. another potential lock from the academy gone. is it any wonder this is our achilles heel. and on that note: what has happened to Ben Marshall? he put in some impressive performances in the pro12 back at the start of the year
Posted 11:56 19th May 2013
GCP_JONES says...
@crunchfit ..
I take your point to a degree,but, with the exception of Andrew Goodman,the other 3 players signed last season have been poor to say the least.
If you look at the academy recently its not producing as many players of quality compared to say 3/4 seasons ago.
My point is basically if the likes of Roux were not brought in as a project player and is blocking us signing the likes of Rocky Elsom or Nathan Hines then their recruitment policy is far from sound.
Posted 09:57 19th May 2013
new_j4a says...
This Amlin Challenge Cup....it's more like a shield isn't it?....a sort of consolation prize for the bottom half of the European rugby talent pool? Just asking....
Posted 07:42 19th May 2013
crunchfit says...
@GCP_JONES
Leinster, in general, have a good set of players coming in all positions at various stages of development and they favour their own for starting positions. If they've brought someone in, there's a good reason for it. Their reasoning here is sound.
@Iyhel
I don't understand why you ignore the occasions where the Leinster pack has competed with the "big guns" of Europe, and then choose to speculate. I mean, this year even, they competed with the Clermont pack without their full pack. Then there were those occasions where they beat Clermont with much of the same players, as well as the other best teams in Europe. Then of course, there's the matter of not fielding the full team on this occasion either and still winning the match easily.
Basically, the evidence suggests the opposite of your speculation.
Posted 22:56 18th May 2013
Toulousain says...
@3in4, Feel free to change your name to whatever you like. You sound like a somewhat joyless chap, so what is that lovely expression....go knock yourself out! You are a little obsessed with results it seems? Another one who cannot recognise that luck plays a part in sport? Related to crunch_goy91317 perhaps? What is it about Leinster that attracts so many aggressive internet types? Maybe I should change my name to "4HCups"? Would that help? Or simply "GetAlongFineWithMostDecentLeinsterFans". Please don't address me in future. It's boring and frankly you're not in my league. I think I would prefer simply to be ignored by you. Don't worry, I will repay the compliment! Kiss kiss and enjoy your trolling xxx
Posted 22:49 18th May 2013
MunsterFirst says...
Congratulations to Leinster, great to see another European trophy in Ireland, well done. From what I have seen/heard, it was quite the clinical performance and a well-deserved victory. Four European trophies in five seasons is a phenomenal achievement, and topping it off with the Pro 12 next weekend would be a fitting way to bid farewell to Schmidt.
The future looks bright for the boys in blue. Again, sincere congratulations, yours is truly a fantastic team, as a Munster fan, I envy your recent success.
Posted 22:14 18th May 2013
GCP_JONES says...
leinster_goy....
Is Quinn Roux not a 'Special Poject' player?
because if he's not and is blocking leinster getting a player of substance, then the person you signed him should hand their heads.
Posted 21:15 18th May 2013
Iyhel says...
@papachinzo: sorry, just teasing...
But after watching today's match I cannot see how Leinster would have compete with either team. Currently Leinster are too weak compared to some other big guns upfront, too bad as there is plenty of talent in the backline, first choice or not. Against a more experienced tem, yesterday's tactical inspiration might not have been enough.
That said, enjoy your cup, good luck for next week's final and see you next year for some great confrontations!
(by the way, does anyone know when pools shall be drawn for next year HC?)
Posted 19:27 18th May 2013
3in4 says...
Top-class performance, both defensively and offensively. After 2 minutes the result was never in doubt. Nacewa as brilliant as ever. We're gonna miss him a lot. We may regret the day we let Conway go to Munster, too. But I think we are well set for next year. The academy lads won the British and Irish Cup last night. Noel Reid kicked the winning penalty, and some good young wingers in that side too. Looking forward to the new season already.
@Toulousain
Someone's bitter about Leinster's success! Can't believe the editors publish your worthless crap on this site so often, but I have to say I had a good chuckle reading that. You can speculate to your heart's content about the past but it doesn't change reality, now does it? By the way, I'm thinking of changing my name to "4in5" after last night, what do you think?? LOL Loser...
Posted 17:58 18th May 2013
new_j4a says...
Oh, and well done Goyo. Your post was an unexpected mild mix of gloat, sycophantic fawning on players, and childishly wishful "whatifery." Shall we have another round of slow clap to mark your progress?
Posted 15:56 18th May 2013
Rosbif says...
@Leinster fans - wow, fantastic game, just blew them away. Congrats! And best of luck for next weekend. (and next season for that matter, when you think the 2 best players on the field were arguably Sexton and Isa?)
@Froggy73 @Toulousain - I see what you're saying, but be careful not to feed the trolls, "if you lie with the dogs you wake up with the fleas" or as @carpelone once famously remarked "don't wrestle with a pig - you both get sh*t all over you, but the pig likes it!"
Posted 15:53 18th May 2013
new_j4a says...
@Toulousain, right on the money with the ROG prediction! If you have any inside info on events my bookmaker has a price on, please post here....I have kids in college to pay for.
Posted 15:46 18th May 2013
Toulousain says...
@Froggy73, you missed a lot of "if"s there..... if Exeter had kicked their kicks in Dublin earlier this season, if Remy Martin had not been penalised in the 80th minute last year in Montpellier, if Kearney had not hit the jammiest ever drop goal of his life in Bordeaux, if Poite had not yellow-carded 2 Saints players in that famous final (and instead penalised Heaslip for blocking for Sexton's tries) if if if.....
....if leinster_goy was only a little more reasonable from time to time, we might all actually like him as much as we admire his team.
oh well, here's hoping !!
Posted 15:46 18th May 2013
crunchfit says...
A fair few first XV players missing, clinical win and Leinster still get more criticism than praise. Oh well, such is life.
I wonder what more Doumayrou with an extra 10 / 15 kilos on him. Parisse has to be the best 8 in the world by a long way. Never seen any single player do so much in any team. He literally plays every role bar prop at some point during the game.
@froggy73
Well when two defeats to Clermont are used by so many fans to suggest that Leinster are in decline or an overrated side so frequently, naturally, Leinster fans will add in the obvious facts that others like to leave out. You criticise them for "ifs" in response to criticism, yet you bring up Fofana's miss again? Have to say, I love your silly, stacked arguments about Leinster, especially when you mix in hypocrisy!
Posted 15:45 18th May 2013
leinster_goy says...
@whatisthis
can't bring anyone else in now. with the new IRFUSSR rules we're only allowed 4 NIEs - Roux, Gopperth, Kirchner and Goodman who's signed for another year so we will have cover there. and don't forget we have Mackers and also Mallers who was injured for pretty much the whole season. it's the wings i'm more worried about, tbh
Posted 15:39 18th May 2013