Leinster beat Cardiff to continue winning sequence

Rugby World Cup

Leinster (14) 42

Cons: Byrne 6; Tries: McKee, Boyle, Deegan, McGrath, Tector, and Russell

Cardiff Blues (12) 24

Leinster maintained their 100% winning record this season as they scored six tries in a bonus-point 42-24 victory over Cardiff in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup game at the Aviva Stadium.

The Irish province has won all 12 of their URC matches while also dominating their other four Investec Champions Cup matches.

Henry Millard and Thomas Young crossed for Cardiff in the first half to give Leinster a 14-12 lead at the break, which was extended by John McKee and Jack Boyle.

After the break, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Charlie Tector, and Rob Russell all touched down for the home team, and Ellis Bevan’s score secured a point for the Welsh side as they left Dublin with a point after scoring four tries.

Hooker McKee slammed over from a driving maul 15 minutes later, but Cardiff responded with their opening try just two minutes later.

As they launched an attack, which saw wing Mallard rush down the line and head over in the corner, the ball quickly passed through the hands.

The hosts, who were devoid of their Ireland internationals, uncharacteristically committed a number of errors while a strong Cardiff display in the first 40 was rewarded with a second score, flanker Young driving his way over after his side completed a number of effective “pick and go” moves.

Wales held on for a five-point lead in the first half thanks to Callum Sheedy’s conversion, but loose-head prop Boyle went over in the corner after some sly build-up play.

Byrne’s additional two points from the tee would give his side the lead at 14-12 at the break, and he would go on to convert each of his team’s tries.

Within a few minutes of the restart, Leo Cullen’s side capitalized on Deegan’s superior numbers to send him to the sin bin for infringing.

The home team scored its fourth try after a line-out maul, with Cardiff’s captain McGrath breaking the defenses and darting over from close range.

As his side took control of the match, Tector carved his own path through the visiting rearguard to score try number five for Leinster.

However, Cardiff reacted when Millard scored on his second touchdown of the game and Bevan made a blistering try to cut the deficit even further.

Replacements: Rob Russell, Oliver Coffey, Rory McGuire, Ivan Soroka, and Stephen Smyth.

Cardiff: Rey Lee-Lo, Rey Lee-Lo, Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Dany Southworth, Liam Belcher, Rhys Litterick, Josh McNally, Rory Thornton, Ben Donnell, Thomas Young, Alun Lawrence, and Cameron Winnett, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, and Rey Lee-Lo.

Regan Grace, Tinus de Beer, Seb Davies, Alex Mann, Efan Daniel, Rhys Barratt, and Will Davies-King are the replacements.