Treviso 10 – Leinster 36

Another highly energetic and clinical display from Leinster got rewarded with another try bonus point win away to Treviso. I certainly do not get tired of these big Leinster wins!

Our new signing looked very sharp throughout. Many may not have expected the Kiwi to score a try on his debut but LOWE and behold he scored two on his debut. Oh, and he also got awarded man of the match. It certainly was a perfect start for James Lowe as he posed a huge threat every time he had the ball and opened up space for team mates to maintain forward momentum. It’s very early days yet but the signs look good for this lad, he performed with the a similar intensity and hunger as Isa Nacewa!

Leinster’s attacking game has been hugely bolstered by Lowe, Larmour and Carbery this season, teams are going to have a hard time dealing with these lads, and if they need a rest, we also have a back three in Adam Byrne, O’Loughlin and Nacewa. Now that is strength in depth!

Leinster were tested in this match for much of the first half with Treviso controlling territory and possession. However, once Leinster scored their first try through Lowe, the team looked to shift up a gear and looked very hungry in attack. From our lightning fast line speed to our rock solid defensive structures, Leinster looked very well oiled and ambitious as they deployed their game plan to perfection. One of the greatest elements of Leinster’s performance was their phase play and ball handling skills. I don’t think Leinster knocked on or fumbled any passes throughout this game, every ball went to hand, and no rucks were turned over. This level of accuracy is allowing Leinster to play with huge confidence and execute their game plan with high effectiveness. It’s very positive and very entertaining for all Leinster supporters. As I’ve said before, if they can keep this up, there really isn’t any team that can stop them from going all the way in both competitions. The mental frailties from last season appear to be gone so it’s all about keeping the desire and hunger strong within the squad, and sure next May we’ll be basking in Leinster glory again!

Treviso are a tough side as Ulster can attest to given their near defeat to them last weekend. Leinster just looked too strong in every area of the game and when they had the ball, they couldn’t be stopped.

Garry Ringrose returned for his first game of the season and put in a solid shift, and managed to bag himself a nice try too. Luke McGrath captained the team well and performed excellently once again, he is becoming a key leader in this squad and I can see him getting a lot of game time for Ireland in the Six Nations next year. His replacement Nick McCarthy also looks very promising and is one to watch this season. Jordan Larmour also looked very sharp and showed us more of that pace, slick passing, step and defensive ability that is quickly making him a nailed on starter for the boys in blue. Ross Byrne again put in a great shift and managed the team well while guiding them up field towards the try line. He looks a lot more confident and you can see him being very vocal with the team.

Leinster are back to Champions Cup rugby away to Exeter next weekend and this will show us exactly where Leinster is at in terms of whether they can take on and beat the big teams in Europe. Judging by Leinster’s last couple of games, they look ready to make it three from three in the Champions Cup!