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2019 Leinster’s Defense Withstands Lyon

27th, Challenge In Champions Cup

November einster withstood a fierce their pressure tell.

onslaught from TOP14 Last season’s finalists
|
Lleaders Lyon to grind out a defended admirably despite
EXAMINER Champions Cup win at the Stade under pressure to keep Lyon
Heineken
13-6
hard-fought
conceding a couple of penalties
scoreless in a first half which
de Gerland.
The province played much
ended with the clock in the
IRISH of the game without the ball, 45th minute.
Lyon had two thirds of the
but their defense was up to the
challenge as they repelled their
possession and territory, but
French opponent’s powerful found it difficult to break down
carriers. a resilient and stubborn
Leo Cullen’s men scored the Leinster defense which stood
only try of the game through strong.
No 8 Max Deegan with Ireland
ace Johnny Sexton kicking a Leinster conceded consecu-
conversion and two penalties tive penalties for collapsing the
on his second club appearance maul as Lyon forced their way
of the season. into the 22 when the game
Jonathan Wisniewski boot- resumed, but once again their
ed two Lyon penalties as they defense made a crucial play.
took a losing bonus point. Cullen saw his pack force a
Sexton put the four-time turnover after the ball was
European winners ahead from unplayable on the ground.
the tee after Lyon were penal- The visitors had to make
ized for a high tackle on center almost twice as many tackles,
Garry Ringrose in midfield. but always appeared to be in
Sexton had the opportunity control when Lyon had the ball
to extend the lead after the in hand.
hosts collapsed a maul from a Lyon finally got on the
line-out, but his penalty hit the board when Wisniewski slotted
left upright. a penalty in the 67th minute
A wayward French pass saw after Leinster infringed at the
Leinster intercept and lock line-out.
James Ryan burst away before Sexton thought he had
being brought down inside crossed for a game-winning try,
Lyon’s 22. Cullen’s side refused but the score was chalked off
to panic and recycled the ball after Ringrose was penalized
for Deegan to score. Sexton for preventing a possible tackle.
converted. Referee Luke Pearce was
Visiting wing Jordan playing a penalty advantage to
Larmour was sent to the sin bin Leinster, however, and Sexton
for picking the ball up from kicked the penalty goal to
Lyon’s side of the ruck after extend his side’s lead to 10.
Leinster had lost possession Wiesnewski slotted a late
from their own put-in at a penalty to ensure Lyon took
scrum. something from the game, but
Despite long periods of pos- Leinster’s impressive rearguard
session inside Leinster’s 22, the performance meant that was all
hosts were unable to make they got. C