Prendergast pivotal as Leinster crush Connacht
Sam Prendergast touches down to score a brilliant try for Leinster. Photo: INPHO/Henry Simpson
This was the first time Stuart Lancaster took charge of the western province against his former employers, and Connacht held their own in an enthralling first half to trail by just 19-17 at half time.
But Leinster, with Prendergast at the helm, ran riot in the second half to leave Dublin’s Aviva Stadium with all five points; a result that sees them climb to fifth in the BTK United Rugby Championship.
The Suncroft fly half was one of five Kildare men on the field on Saturday evening as the county’s talent pool continue to impress.
The 22-year-old was in a confident mood early on having slotted the first of his six conversions in just the fifth minute (finishing with a 75% success rate off the tee). His distribution was simply excellent and his kicking continues to impress.
Prendergast scored a try just before half time which brought Leinster back in front at the break.
But where he truly excelled was his creativity. He assisted three tries, the first of which was a sensational chip over the Connacht defence to allow Charlie Tector to cruise in under the posts.
Prendergast also showed lovely soft hands to set up Tommy O’Brien and was on hand again late in the day to send Tector in for a second.
The Donadea 29-year-old was extremely busy in the early goings and had a hand in Leinster’s opening try. Connors got through a mountain of work in the tacle and at the breakdown where he won several turnovers.
But in the week that saw Ciaran Frawley sign for Connacht, news that has rekindled rumours of an exodus of Leinster players moving to one of the other three provinces, Connors may be well advised to seek a similar move to Galway, Limerick or Belfast if he still holds out hope of returning to the Ireland squad.
The 22-year-old Sallins man certainly seemed to enjoy playing in the back row and really put himself about in the first half.
He won a lineout, made some ferocious carries and smashed into ruck after ruck after ruck..
His most notable carry came just before half time, creating the space for SamPrendergast to go in for a vital try on the stroke of half time.
Mangan also had a hand in the first try after the interval, getting on the shoulder to help drive Brian Deeny over.
The Naas youngster was a late call up to replace Harry Byrne on the bench and came in for a cameo at full back for the final 15 minutes.
While Sam was in the spotlight, the elder Prendergast continues to grind out one outstanding performance after another in the Connacht back row. There was almost a try for Cian as well as he made the hole that allowed Finlay Bealham to score the try that put Connacht in front.
He delivered another captain’s performance, stealing Leinster lineouts, making big carries and working in defence like a man with something to prove as he is starting to look equally adept on either flank.
