LEINSTER LOST OUT by 12 points tonight against Bordeaux-Begles at the Chaban-Delmas Stadium tonight, in their opening pre-season friendly.
Leinster went down 40-28 in the game as their French opponents dictated the opening half to go ahead 28-7 at half-time.
Leinster began brightly through a Rob Russell try but that quickly cancelled out by Arthur Retiére touching down for the hosts. Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Nicolas Depoortere added further tries before half-time, as Bordeaux-Begles surged clear.
Joey Carbery, who was in action for Bordeaux after his move from Munster was officially confirmed in early July, kicked four conversions in the opening period.
An entertaining evening in Bordeaux 👏
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 30, 2024
Merci @UBBrugby 🙏
Rob Russell, John McKee, Gus McCarthy and Andrew Osborne the try scorers as #LeinsterRugby go down 40-28 in France this evening 🏉#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/7uRVhIjoFI
A Damian Penaud try early in the second half, converted by Matthieu Jalibert, increased their lead, before Penaud added his second try in the 55th minute to leave them 40-7 clear.
Leisnter did mount a late rally with John McKee, Gus McCarthy and Andrew Osborne.
Leinster continue their pre-season preparations next weekend as they travel to Franklin’s Garden on Saturday 7 September to play Northampton, the current Premiership champions.
The teams met last May in Croke Park with Leinster triumphing 20-17 in the Champions Cup semi-final.
Leinster open their URC campaign in three weeks on Friday 20 September with a trip to Edinburgh, before their first home game takes place a week later on 27 September when they host Dragons at the Aviva Stadium.
Imagine…5 bucks to see incredible players….in a world of commercial sport…some deal…result forgotten by monday
Very disappointing result. No such thing as a friendly in rugby.
@Aidan Farrell: Can’t really see why you’d be disappointed with this result given that this was a 2nd/3rd team selection for Leinster with none of the South African tourists available yet
@Kevin Ryan: they certainly performed like a second team. My first time at the Bordeaux Stadium and for €5 it was money well spent. Yes €5!
@Aidan Farrell: Bordeox first team Vs Leinster 3rd
@Kevin Ryan: any leinster team doesn’t matter how is playing should give it 100%
@sean o’farrell: I haven’t seen the game, myself. Which players did you feel didn’t give 100%?
@Kevin Ryan: I’m not sure but you’d expect the French season to start a cpl wks before the Irish and Bordeaux to be much further along in their preseason
@Aidan Farrell: I’d say you’re uber excited about the new rugby season.
@Kevin Ryan: there should be no player in leinsters squad that’s a 2nd /3rd team player
@chris mcdonnell: so Leinster reserves and developing players should be the same standard as test level players? I mean it beats you constantly having a go at the Byrne brothers…. But you’ll have to explain that one to me ;)
@Colin Young: Same price as a ticket into Donnybrook Stadium funny enoigh
Quick question……is the Leinster academy actually that strong these days? It’s definitely got athletes. And specimens. But real rugby guys. Rugby brains?? Leo in on borrowed time if I had to make a statement.
Feel robbed I paid €10. Can’t beat rugby in the Sud Ouest
Did anyone see how Carbery got on? Was he any good for them?
@Colin Young:
Is it too much to ask The 42 to list the respective lineups?
15. Andrew Osborne (2)
14. Tommy O’Brien (35)
13. Liam Turner (29)
12. Ben Brownlee (9)
11. Rob Russell (32)
10. Harry Byrne (68)
9. Cormac Foley (20)
1. Michael Milne (41)
2. John McKee (27)
3. Thomas Clarkson (41)
4. Brian Deeny (22)
5. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (4)
6. Max Deegan (113)
7. Will Connors (49)
8. James Culhane (8)