
Rugby
Share
Published 17:41 1 Jan 2018 GMT
Updated 08:50 2 Jan 2018 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
If a forward is having a good defensive outing, on a day of heavy traffic, they can often register anywhere between 12 and 18 successful tackles. Anything over that is damn impressive. Anything over 25 is otherworldly.
Initially, van der Flier was credited with 31 tackles. The last time such a count was seen was in 2015, when Wales lock Luke Charteris made that same number, 31, in a 23-16 over an Ireland team on the hunt for a Grand Slam.
On further review, ESPNscrum updated he stats to credit the Leinster man with three more connections. Van der Flier has definitely earned himself a refreshing drink after that performance. One wonders if he will be rested for the next home game, against Ulster, in just five days' time.
As for the game itself, James Lowe lit up the first half with a superb offload to set up Deegan for a try but Connacht responded through Finlay Bealham.
Connacht led by a point at the break but Leinster put the squeeze on to go 21-13 ahead. Matt Healy then made it a pulsating finish with a stunning try before Leinster's defence - including both van der Flier and Deegan - stepped up to close the game out.Brilliant footage shows Toulon doing training drills on Dublin street ahead of Leinster loss
This is great! Ahead of their Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster this afternoon at the Aviva Stadium, Toulon were seen training in a rather unusual spot. Instead of a field or the gym, they were filmed on a Dublin street doing maul drills, while others causally tossed the ball around. It is unclear exactly where […]
Rugby
2 days ago
The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 138
Another big teaser! The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz is back, and this week 10 is the score to beat. We are covering all the usual stuff with championship GAA, Champions League, and Irish provinces in Europe, with a few extra bits and bobs! You will have to have followed the last week of sport very […]
Rugby
4 days ago
Rugby
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
Rugby