Leinster dominated the final from start to finish, securing the biggest winning margin in a URC final to date with a commanding 32-7 victory.

The hosts raced to a 19-0 lead within the first 22 minutes, with captain Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett, and Josh van der Flier all crossing the try line. They held onto that advantage going into half-time.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Bulls finally got on the board through Akker van der Merwe, with Johan Goosen slotting the conversion.

Fintan Gunne scored Leinster’s fourth and final try with eight minutes remaining, hammering the last nail into the Bulls’coffin. 

Reflecting on the historic win at the iconic stadium, Irish captain Jack Conan said the key was staying present and composed.

“We spoke all week about staying in the moment taking it step by step and not getting ahead of ourselves. We knew it was going to be incredibly physical, so there was no point looking too far ahead. It was all about the here and now, moment by moment,” said Conan.

Leinster. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady

“I thought we handled the pressure really well, especially towards the end of the first half when they were hammering our line. The lads dug deep – some of those tackles were massive.

“What makes me proud is that we weren’t focused on the outcome. We committed to a performance mindset, and I think the team delivered that in spades. For 80-odd minutes, the physicality, the intent, the work rate – that’s what we asked of each other, and that’s exactly what we brought.”

It was the Bulls’ third loss in a final, and head coach Jake White admitted that allowing Leinster such a fast start left his side with no chance. 

“This isn’t your typical rugby team – we’re still a bit naïve in some ways. I actually jotted it down in my notebook: once they hit 19, I knew. This is a different league entirely.

“I said it in my interview before the game – and maybe that’s why Leinster fans were so frustrated this season – they were waiting for that one big 40-minute performance, and it came against us.

“We just couldn’t get our hands on the ball. They defended like champions and started the way everyone warns you about – don’t let them race ahead. But by 17 minutes, it was 19–0. And once they’re that far ahead, no one comes back. Not against Leinster.

‘Just look at Josh van der Flier’

“I have to give full credit to them. They’re brilliantly coached, they’ve got outstanding players – I mean, just look at Josh van der Flier today. World-class player, world-class person.

“Since I started coaching at this level in the URC, I’ve always said Leinster are the benchmark. Tonight just confirmed it again. We were never going to win from 19 points down. We’ve got three silvers now. Maybe it’s time I figure out how to turn one into gold.”

Scorers:

Leinster: Tries – Jack Conan, Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett, Josh van der Flier, Fintan Gunne Conv. – Sam Prendergast 2, Ross Byrne Pen. – Prendergast 2

Bulls: Try – Akker van der Merwe Conv. – Johan Goosen

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg