Leinster produced a stunning second-half display to hammer Connacht 52-17 at the Aviva Stadium, securing their seventh consecutive victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and completing a clean sweep of their festive interprovincial derbies.

The reigning URC champions trailed briefly in the first half but erupted after the break, scoring five unanswered tries to dominate Connacht and maintain their top form heading into European competition.

“After a tough first half, the boys showed the quality we expect from a Leinster side,” said head coach Leo Cullen. “The second half was an all-around performance, from the forwards to our backs.”

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Fast Start for Leinster

Leinster raced into an early 14-0 lead through tries from Dan Sheehan and Charlie Tector within the opening eight minutes. Sheehan touched down from an out-wide break, while Tector capitalized on a misjudged chip over the top by Sam Prendergast to score Leinster’s second.

However, Connacht fought back thanks to Leinster’s indiscipline and handling errors. Ten early penalties and a yellow card for Joe McCarthy allowed the western province to hit back with tries from Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finlay Bealham, giving Connacht a 17-14 lead late in the first half.

A final-minute try from Prendergast restored Leinster’s narrow advantage heading into the interval, setting the stage for a dominant second half.

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Second-Half Dominance

Leinster’s superiority was evident after the break, with a blistering attacking display that Connacht could not match.

• Brian Deeney scored four minutes into the half to secure the four-try bonus point.
• Tommy O’Brien then sidestepped defenders to score following a rapid line-out attack.
• Charlie Tector crossed again after a well-timed Prendergast pass.
• O’Brien added his second after intercepting a Connacht pass.
• JJ Kenny rounded out the eight-try performance, finishing a fast-paced Leinster counterattack.

The URC champions’ scrum and line-out execution were particularly impressive, providing a platform for quick, clinical attacks and leaving Connacht chasing shadows for most of the second half.

“The second half was textbook Leinster rugby – cohesive, relentless, and clinical in all areas,” added Cullen.

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Player Highlights

• Dan Sheehan: Strong start with the opening try and relentless work at the breakdown.
• Charlie Tector: Two tries and one assist, key to Leinster’s backline attacking rhythm.
• Sam Prendergast: Three assists and one try, orchestrating the second-half surge.
• Tommy O’Brien & JJ Kenny: Both scored doubles, finishing off multiple fast breaks.

Joe McCarthy’s yellow card in the first half was a rare blemish, but the forwards quickly regained control in the second period.

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Implications for Leinster

The win extends Leinster’s winning streak to seven games, a run dating back to their October defeat by Munster at Croke Park. The champions now look ahead to European Champions Cup action, where they face La Rochelle, a rematch of the 2022 and 2023 finals under Ronan O’Gara.

Connacht, meanwhile, have lost three games in a row, and the western province will need to address discipline and defensive lapses as they look to climb the URC table.

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Match Statistics

• Final Score: Leinster 52–17 Connacht
• Tries: Leinster – Sheehan, Tector 2, Prendergast, Deeney, O’Brien 2, Kenny; Connacht – Tierney-Martin, Bealham
• Conversions: Prendergast 6, Gilbert 2
• Penalties: Gilbert (Connacht) 1
• Yellow Cards: Joe McCarthy (Leinster)
• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
• Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)