Five Leinster players who flopped in Champions Cup final defeat

Harry Byrne

Ratings: Planet Rugby 4 | RugbyPass 4 | RUCK 3]

Summary

Byrne produced a mixed opening before completely losing control of the contest as Bordeaux’s pressure intensified. His intercepted pass before half-time proved a defining moment and effectively ended Leinster’s hopes before the break.

Key Quotes

RUCK: “Completely lost control of the game as time went on.”

RugbyPass: “In kick tennis terms, this was 6-0, 6-0 to UBB.”

Planet Rugby: “Byrne’s first-half was compounded by a late intercept pass to Moefana.”

Dan Sheehan

Ratings: Planet Rugby 4 | RugbyPass 4 | RUCK 3 | Irish Times 4

Summary

Normally one of Leinster’s most influential forwards, Sheehan failed to impose himself physically and endured a difficult afternoon at lineout time. Across the board, reviewers felt his impact was nowhere near the standard expected from a world-class hooker.

Key Quotes

Irish Times: “One of Leinster’s genuinely world class players needed to be a physical force.”

RUCK: “Has had less impact than usual across the entire tournament.”

RugbyPass: “Did plenty of loitering on the wing, to little effect.”

Planet Rugby: “Like the majority of his team, he struggled to impact the UBB defence.”

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