Leinster player ratings: Top performances all around in ruthless Champions Cup display

Ciarán Frawley 8

Late inclusion for the injured Hugo Keenan, he once again proved why his versatility is such an asset, as he slotted in seamlessly. Covered the back-field well and looked assured in everything he did.

Jordan Larmour 8

Continued his good run of form by winning an important early turnover and showing good footwork in the lead up to Lowe’s first try and good hands for Baird’s score. Another good day at the office.

Robbie Henshaw 9

Making the most of an injury-free run, he is playing with real confidence that once again shone through here. Strong on both sides of the ball, his kick for Lowe’s second try was a delight.

Jamie Osborne 9

Looked comfortable in the heavyweight midfield battle, the 22-year-old’s reputation continues to grow. Had the confidence to play a lovely cross-field kick for Lowe’s first try, his left boot is a serious weapon.

James Lowe 9

Scored the opening try, created the second with a perfectly-timed offload, while in between, he was held up for another. Had to wait for his second try, but as always, he was on hand to finish it.

Ross Byrne 9

Stepped up in a big way. Kicked like a dream, scored 15 points and played the final pass that put Lowe over for his first. Showed some nice touches in what was a statement performance from the out-half.

Jamison Gibson-Park 9

Recovered from an early forward pass, a rare mistake in another excellent showing. His rapid delivery kept Leinster on the front foot, and wore La Rochelle out, while he scored his fourth try in two games. Outstanding.

Andrew Porter 9

Dominant at scrum-time, where he never took a backward step. Did very well to win the breakdown turnover that led to Baird’s crucial try just after the restart before he was given a rare early breather.

Dan Sheehan 9

The hooker’s best performance in some time, he was in the thick of everything. A constant nuisance at the breakdown, he threw well and scored a brilliantly-worked team try out wide where he is so effective.

Tadhg Furlong 9

Upended Will Skelton with a powerful tackle that set the tone for what was to come. Part of a dominant scrum, the tighthead’s deft ball-handling in open play was a real joy to watch.

Joe McCarthy 9

More than held his own against a gigantic pack, his turnover from an early maul was crucial. Two superb offloads in the build up to Leinster’s two first-half tries showed the silkier side of his game.

Jason Jenkins 7

Made a couple of big carries before Lowe scored, which typified a strong display in contact. However, his discipline was an issue in the first-half before he was replaced soon after the restart.

Ryan Baird 9

Will be annoyed at conceding the penalty that led to a try just before the break but he made up for it shortly after with a trademark finish. Called the lineout well in what was a mature display.

Will Connors 8

Brought into the team for his unique chop-tackling prowess and he fully justified his selection with an all-action performance. One blot on the copybook was not putting Lowe over for a try.

Caelan Doris 8

Needed to step it up a notch and the stand-in captain delivered, edging the battle with his opposite number to remind everyone of his undoubted class. Ran himself into the ground.

Replacements

Unlike previous seasons, Leinster were not slow in going to their bench, which had a major say in them putting the game to bed early. Josh van der Flier brought huge energy, as did the back-up front-row of Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne and Michael Ala’alatoa. A proper 23-man effort. 8

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