OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Leinster players after their 24-6 win over the Lions in a top-of-the-table United Rugby Championship clash in Dublin.

Leinster came out firing, asserting dominance in the opening ten minutes, but their inability to capitalize on early momentum proved costly.

Missed scoring chances and errors kept the scoreboard empty, inviting the Lions back into contention.

Leinster’s tendency to kick loosely played straight into the Lions’ transition strengths, allowing the visitors ample opportunities to counter-attack, a dynamic that could have cost Leinster.

Here’s how Ian Cameron rated the Lions players!

1. Michael Milne – 7
A sturdy presence against the 153kg Asenathi Ntlabakanye [one of the heaviest professional rugby players on the planet], where he just about held his own. Won an impressive turnover in the 29th minute when Leinster needed it badly.

2. Gus McCarthy – 7
Solid at the set piece and busy around the field, the new Ireland call-up’s accurate lineout throwing and work rate gave Leinster a steady platform. Another strong display from the young hooker who’s going to have plenty of game time in the next few months one suspects.

3. Rabah Slimani – 6
Slimani’s scrummaging reputation might put him among Leinster’s best, but he struggled to make a consistent impact here. Penalized in the first scrum at 27 minutes, he did eventually find his stride against Juan Schoeman. Solid about the park.

4. RG Snyman – 8.5
A powerhouse presence in the lineout and a real enforcer in open play, Snyman’s physicality and presence made life difficult for the Lions. His offloading ability in attack continues to be a point of difference for the giant South African who seems to be loving life in the “D4-tress”.

5. Ryan Baird – 7
Starting in the second row, Baird’s usual athleticism took a back seat in this match, as it was his presence at the breakdown that stood out, disrupting Lions’ possession and securing key turnovers.

6. Max Deegan – 7
Deegan stayed active throughout and worked hard around the pitch, keeping himself involved in phases. While he didn’t manage any standout moments, his consistent presence added some grit to Leinster’s effort.

7. Josh van der Flier – 7.5
Took the game by the scruff of the neck with his try in the 32nd minute. His influence at the breakdown disrupted the Lions’ rhythm consistently. His try aside, he didn’t get much of an opportunity in attack.

8. Caelan Doris – 8
Doris was a force at the back of the scrum, with frequent, effective carries and some big tackles that set the tone for Leinster. In his No.8 battle with Francke Horn, Doris arguably came out on top, driving his team forward with relentless energy. His try on 59 minutes created crucial breathing room.

9. Luke McGrath – 5
A rusty performance from McGrath. He struggled with both urgency and accuracy at times, including an early mis-pass into Snyman’s back in the 3rd minute. The base was too often a messy department for Leinster and while not totally to blame, McGrath was responsible for a lot of it.

10. Sam Prendergast – 7
Back from the Emerging Ireland tour, Prendergast showed some solid distribution, but his tactical kicking often played into the Lions’ strengths, giving them unnecessary counter-attacking opportunities. Looked extremely composed when directing Leinster’s attack with the ball in hand.

11. James Lowe – 6.5
Tasked with plenty of defensive kicking, Lowe worked hard to relieve pressure and did his best to spark Leinster’s attack when opportunities arose, though his efforts didn’t always pay off. A few too many turnovers too.

12. Robbie Henshaw – 6.5
Dependable in both attack and defence, Henshaw’s solid tackling and ability to absorb pressure were vital in Leinster’s midfield. A few strong runs but kept relatively quiet by his high standards. Still waiting on his best form to return though.

13. Hugh Cooney – 7.5
One massive 36th-minute spill aside, this was a promising outing from Cooney, who made several strong carries, though space was limited against the formidable Henco van Wyk. He faced pressure from the Lions’ edge attack but held his ground.

14. Andrew Osborne – 7
Provided a physical menace out wide, stretching the Lions’ defence with some incisive runs. His defensive reads improved as the game went on. He’s a handful, even if his clearance kicks need work.

15. Hugo Keenan – 6
Still finding his feet again after a summer in Sevens, he was steady for Leinster against the Lions. Showed composure under the high ball and had a few promising moments in counter-attack, though he didn’t necessarily stand out.

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Stephen Smyth – NA
Not on long enough to rate.

17. Andrew Porter – 7
Brought impact off the bench, adding muscle to the scrum and making some powerful runs. The Ireland loosehead’s experience was a crucial addition in the final phases.

18. Thomas Clarkson – 8
Clarkson made an immediate impact off the bench, dominating in the scrum and putting real pressure on the opposition, even if referee Craig Evans didn’t always reward his efforts.

19. Brian Deeny – 7
Added energy in the lineouts and a noticeable work rate, providing Leinster with fresh momentum when it was needed.

20. James Culhane – 6.5
Solid shift in the back row, bringing fresh legs and some physicality, though limited opportunities to make a major impact.

21. Cormac Foley – 7
Brought quick service and tempo even as conditions worsened, helping Leinster keep the pace high towards the end. An improvement on McGrath.

22. Ross Byrne – 7.5
The man linked with a move to Montpellier came on to manage the game well, guiding Leinster to victory with little fuss.

23. Charlie Tector – NA
Not on long enough to rate.

@RugbyPass