Demolition job gives Leo Cullen the perfect start
Under the watchful eyes of Joe Schmidt and his international coaching staff, Leinster made a perfect start to the proceedings with an outstanding individual try from winger Mick McGrath just three minutes into the action.
The hosts now had an ideal platform to work from, and they doubled their advantage on 14 minutes, when flanker Dan Leavy powered over the line.
Both of these scores were supplemented by conversions from Isa Nacewa on his return to Irish soil, and he completed the opening period scoring by racing through for a well-worked seven-pointer.
Courtesy of their 21-point lead heading into the second period, Cullen could afford to unload his bench during the third-quarter.
The impressive Jack Conan added tries in the 44th and 52nd minutes following his half-time introduction, and Tadhg Beirne also crossed over just shy of the hour mark.
This effort was converted by Fergus McFadden, and after being released from international duty for this game, he was eager to make an impression.
Following a 64th minute penalty try, a neat lay-off from Adam Byrne enabled McFadden to touch down and with Josh Van Der Flier and Darragh Fanning also adding their names to an expansive scoresheet, Leinster finished in style.
I Nacewa, F McFadden 1 try, 4 cons each, J Conan 2 tries, M McGrath, D Leavy, T Beirne, J Van Der Flier, D Fanning try each, penalty try.
I Nacewa; A Byrne, C O’Shea, G D’Arcy, M McGrath; C Marsh, L McGrath; P Dooley, A Dundon, M Bent; T Denton, M McCarthy; K McLaughlin, D Leavy, P Timmins.
B Byrne, J Hagan, R Burke-Flynn, R Molony, D Ryan, I Boss, R Byrne, F McFadden, T Beirne, J van der Flier, J Conan, D Fanning, N Reid, B Te’o, S Crosbie.
C Foley; D Cheshire, G King, A Pinches, E Sheldon; G Hughes, S Brown; T Fidler, S Tolmie, C Voisey; G Charlton, A Flagg; E Siggery, J Bercis, C Brightwell.
T Warren, J Lea, S Gardiner, H Casson, D Brazier, R Williams, K Evans, B Lawrence, H Hone, W Keenan, S Raven, S Montieri.
P Fitzgibbon (IRFU).
