In the Champions Cup match, Bath's defender Beno Obano was sent off in the second half, leading to the team's elimination by Leinster. Obano was dismissed for two yellow cards, the first for a dangerous tackle on Jamison Gibson-Park and the second for a foul in a ruck, with Leinster capitalizing on the advantage to secure victory in the final 20 minutes.
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02-07, 2025Meanwhile, Benetton's surprise 32-25 victory at home against La Rochelle saw Johann van Graan's team drop from fourth to fifth in Pool Two and into the Challenge Cup. Leinster, on the other hand, extended their winning streak to 13 games, securing the top spot in their pool and a home match in the round of 16.
At the start of the match, Bath showed more initiative, with Alfie Barbeary and Tom de Glanville each scoring two tries. Leinster responded with two tries from Robbie Henshaw, followed by another from Jack Conan. However, de Glanville scored again, giving Bath the lead at halftime.
In the second half, Leinster's RG Snyman scored two tries, with Garry Ringrose and Gibson-Park each adding one, punishing the depleted Bath side. The match, pitting the Premiership leaders against the United Rugby Championship leaders, was highly anticipated in Dublin. Bath knew that a loss would put their qualification hopes out of their hands, and they were clearly unwilling to leave their fate to other results.
Ted Hill's powerful surge helped Barbeary score a try, followed by another from de Glanville, further silencing the Dublin crowd after Finn Russell's kick caused chaos in the Leinster defense. Leinster, who have won all their matches this season and were in good form after a win away to La Rochelle, quickly found their rhythm, with Henshaw cleverly completing two tries, the second thanks to a brilliant pass from New Zealand center Jordie Barrett.
Leinster are known for beating their opponents in Dublin, but it wasn't until captain Conan forced his way over for a try, just as Obano was sent off, that they shook off Bath's resistance. Despite being a man down, Ollie Lawrence produced a magical break, tearing through the Leinster defense to assist de Glanville for his second try, giving them an unexpected lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, Leo Cullen's side brought on international players Caelan Doris and Snyman, indicating the pressure the visitors were putting on their attack. A brilliant pass from Snyman helped the team gain a favorable position, and the South African lock then stretched out to complete the try. The replacements improved Leinster's ruck, followed by two penalties and another yellow card for Obano.
Even at full strength, the Premiership team would have faced a daunting task against Leinster's bench, which included eight international players, and they were clearly outmatched after Obano's sending off. Leinster, who have suffered late defeats in the last three Champions Cup finals, will be hoping that their added depth this year will make a difference.
Leinster: Keenan; Ringrose; Henshaw, Barrett; J. Osborne, Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Silemani; J. McCarthy, Ryan; Deegan, Van der Flier, Conan (captain). Replacements: G. McCarthy, Healy, Clarkson, Snyman, Doris, McGrath, R. Byrne, J. O'Brien.
Bath: de Glanville; Cokanasiga; Lawrence, Ojomoh; McConnochie; Russell, Spencer; Obano, Annett, Stuart; Roux, Moloney; Hill, Reid, Barbeary. Replacements: Dunn, van Vuuren, du Toit, Ewels, Bayliss, Schreuder, Bailey, Coetzee.
Red Card: Beno Obano (60th minute) Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
