Leinster scored nine tries in a 59-19 win over the Kings at the RDS on Friday to stretch their lead at the top of Conference B.
Full-time! A massive win at the RDS! #JoinTheRoar #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/nChUFDc3Ub— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 22, 2025
The win moves Leinster 27 points clear at the top of Conference B for the time being.
The hosts started well and took the lead in the 5th minute through Noel Reid, who touched down close to the posts after a well-timed run. Ross Bryne kicked the extras to make it 7-0.
Within 15 minutes the game was turned upside down as Bjorn Basson scored in left corner, before No 9 Sarel Pretorius completed the turn around to make it 12-7 after 20 minutes.
Within seven minutes Leinster were back out in front by seven points thanks to two tries from man of the match Ed Byrne.
Both of the tries came from strong carries and Byrne converted the first but sent the second wide.
After a slick move between the backs, Reid was in for the bonus-point try with only 36 minutes on the clock. Byrne missed his second of the night to leave it at 24-12 to Leinster at half-time.
Half-time at the RDS Arena. An entertaining first period with two tries each for @nreid90 and @edbyrne11 securing the bonus point by the break. #JoinTheRoar #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/mFNZKbX6te— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 22, 2025
Two minutes into the second-half and the Kings had reduced the defecate with Badar Pretorius breaking a couple of tackles before handing over to
Ulrich Beyers to get over for their third try. It was converted to make it 24-19 heading into the 35 minutes.
With 46 minutes gone Leinster were over again, this time Byrne scored all seven points to stretch their lead out 12 points.
Eight minutes on and Andrew Porter was in for try six following sustained pressure from the Blues and Byrne added the two extras.
Max Deegan broke through the defence with 16 minutes left on the clock for his sixth try of the season.
Conor O’Brien and sub Rory O’Loughlin combined to send over RDS debutant scrum-half Paddy Patterson with five minutes left. With O’Loughlin touching down for a try of his own after 77 minutes to finish the try scoring for the hosts.
Byrne kicked conversion number seven and it remained 59-19 until the end.
The win now means that Leinster have won 14 of their 16 matches this season and are cruising to first in the conference while the Kings stay bottom with another big loss.
Leinster will take on the Cheetahs next weekend in what will be a tougher challenge for the reigning champions. The Kings are heading to Wales next to play the Cardiff Blues as they continue their search for a first away win in the competition.
Full-time stats from tonight’s bonus point win at the RDS Arena ?⬇️ #JoinTheRoar #GUINNESSPRO14 pic.twitter.com/Yz3XvVb1FC— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 22, 2025
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