Stormers head to Dublin after Leinster demolish Lions

by | May 31, 2026 | African Golf News

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Leinster will host the Stormers in next weekend’s Vodacom URC semi-finals after a commanding win over the Lions in Dublin on Saturday.

The hosts ran in nine tries on their way to a 59-10 quarter-final win.

The Lions appeared intent on taking a page out of Bordeaux Bègles’ playbook by challenging Leinster with a high-tempo attack from the outset.

Unfortunately for the visitors, a series of basic errors prevented them from building sustained pressure and allowed Leinster to settle into the contest.

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The hosts gradually established a foothold and opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan crashed over for a try. Flyhalf Sam Prendergast added the conversion.

Less than five minutes later, Leinster struck again when fullback Hugo Keenan finished off a slick attacking movement.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, momentum briefly swung in the Lions’ favour when Leinster tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle on scrumhalf Nico Steyn.

The visitors capitalised almost immediately as centre Henco van Wyk forced his way over from close range. Flyhalf Chris Smith, however, was unable to add the extras.

Any hopes of carrying that momentum into the break were dashed on the stroke of half-time when lock James Ryan powered over from close quarters. Prendergast maintained his perfect record from the kicking tee as Leinster took a commanding 21-5 lead into the interval.

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Leinster emerged after the break with renewed intensity and effectively put the contest beyond doubt during the opening stages of the second half.

Tries from flank Scott Penny, Prendergast and replacement hooker Gus McCarthy inside the third quarter stretched the hosts’ advantage and left the Lions with a mountain to climb.

To their credit, the visitors continued to fight and were rewarded when Van Wyk pounced on a Prendergast error before showing impressive footwork to score his second try of the evening.

The Leinster wingers then got in on the act. Jimmy O’Brien scored his try in the 64th minute, with James Lowe getting his record 70th try for the province in his 100th match.

Lowe wrapped up a memorable match in style by diving over in the corner for his second on the night and 71st overall.

LEINSTER – Tries: Dan Sheehan, Hugo Keenan, James Ryan, Scott Penny, Sam Prendergast, Gus McCarthy, Jimmy O’ Brien, James Lowe (2). Conversions: Prendergast (7).
LIONS – Tries: Henco van Wyk (2).

Photo: Leinster Rugby

 

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