Big-name recruit Jordie Barrett has hit the ground running with European heavyweights Leinster, with the All Black continuing to impress in the Champions Cup. Barrett has scored two tries in as many Leinster matches, which included one in his maiden start at fullback for the Irish side.
After a well-received debut off the pine in last weekend’s 35-12 pool stage victory over Bristol Bears, Barrett was promoted to the starting side to face Clermont. This match was the New Zealander’s first appearance as a home player at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris captained a star-studded side that included the likes of Josh Van der Flier on a flank, Andrew Porter at loosehead prop, Jamison Gibson-Park at scrumhalf, Garry Ringrose in the midfield, and Barrett out the back.
Clermont had triumphed in their last three meetings against Leinster dating back to 2012, and they started this weekend’s clash in fine form as they chased the sweet taste of victory once again.
Alivereti Raka crashed over to score the opener in just the fourth minute, with the successful conversion giving Clermont an early 7-nil lead. The visitors hung onto their advantage for a decent period, but once Leinster took control they didn’t look back.
Ringrose crossed for a much-needed score in the 21st minute, with a successful conversion from highly-rated flyhalf Sam Prendergast levelling the scores. Four minutes later Leinster took the lead after Barrett dove over for the go-ahead points.
Gibson-Park started the attacking move with a tap about five metres out from Clermont’s try line. The halfback spread the ball left, with Prendergast finding Barrett who showed some strength and determination to fight through two defenders for the score.
“Yeah, very scrappy but it’s Champions Cup,” Barrett told RTE Sport post-game. “Such a physical and combative side Clermont. We were expecting an aerial contest and for them to come hard at our breakdown and we got both of those.
“At times we made it hard on ourselves but it’s one of those games where you take the win and run away and look forward to next week.
Leinster 15-7 Clermont
All Black Jordie Barrett on life with Leinster so far: “I’m loving my time here and learning plenty”
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“… Normally [I] come here and I’m on the other side of the fence but look, it’s amazing. The support here tonight was awesome. It wasn’t too cold so we probably go a few more through the gate and I’m just grateful for every opportunity I get here at Leinster and I’m loving it so far.”
With that try to Barrett, Leinster took a 12-7 lead and they wouldn’t surrender their advantage throughout the rest of the match. There were no more tries scored, with Prendergast adding a second-half penalty goal to round out the hard-fought 15-7 win at Dublin’s rugby fortress.
Leinster sit in second-place in Pool 2 after recording two wins from as many matches to start their Champions Cup campaign. La Rochelle are also undefeated from two starts which sets up a blockbuster clash between the sides at Stade Marcel-Deflandre next month.
“You’ve got some quality players and some quality coaches and it’s great to rub shoulders with these boys and even better they’re great blokes,” Barrett went on to explain. “I’m loving my time here and learning plenty.
“These French sides, it’s so physical, even Bristol last week, they played a completely different game. You have to adapt and change every single week and that’s the beauty of European Championship rugby.
“We’ve got a different opposition next week in Connacht who are going to be waiting for us and ready. So, look, proud of our boys tonight.”
