Ospreys v Leinster Scrum V Live Pro 12

The Ospreys have got them Ojo back after losing five of their first six

games they have now won five in a row. -- mojo.

Alun Wyn Jones... Beautiful play by Sam Davies. Hanno Dirksen over with

a flourish. These teens are the joint most successful in Pro12

history, for titles apiece and both on significant winning runs.

Leinster have six in a row, a run of seeing them climbed to second and

the Ospreys have won five in a row and are making up ground they lost

at the start. Both sides on fire in the Pro12 but they are experiencing

contrasting fortunes in Europe reflected in their team selections

tonight. Leinster out of Europe so arrived fully loaded, the Ospreys

can still make the knockout stages so resting key personnel. Alun Wyn

Jones and Justin Tipuric warming the bench. An accomplished folk, Johnny

Sexton. Good evening, welcome from Liberty Stadium. Martin, this is one

of the greatest rivalries in the Pro12. Four games ending in draws.

Something has to give. The reason it is a rivalry is because they have

been the most successful teams coming up against each other, a poor

start the season but that is down to the World Cup because they lose so

many players both show when they have their players back Bay are some

of the strongest teams in the competition. A huge matchup,

individually and as a team. And there is no tastier head to head

than the fly-halves, Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar. The thought of as

the best in Europe and the world. Has Dan Biggar usurps sexton? On

form, no doubt Dan Biggar has had a bigger influence than Johnny Sexton.

He has been fantastic for club and country, taking his game to another

level. I would not write off Johnny Sexton. His pedigree, coming back to

Leinster because of the World Cup as well. He is finding his feet again.

A great matchup, the kind you pay money to see just to see them going

head-to-head and both will thrive on it. Real competitors, vocal and

great leaders. Two competitors, two angry young men and a man who knows

a thing or two about fly-half play is in the commentary. Jonathan

Davies, Martyn Williams said Johnny Sexton has been usurped by Dan

Biggar. Do you agree? Yeah, a greater influence on the Welsh

performance than Johnny but tonight will be different looking at the

team sheets. The pack will lay for the stand-off and he is the one who

will be in the driving seat tonight. A big job for the young Ospreys

pack. They are the best players, Dan Biggar has come on leaps and bounds,

he has matured and plays with confidence. The one thing that

Johnny has the advantage on is bringing his back into effect. If

you look at the centres, Ben Te'o, Johnny Sexton will be a threat and

then he will create more space outside. Dan has got to work on

that, Yasmin Broom player, he has to add that threat to his game -- has

been a brilliant player. It is undoubtedly a critical period for

the Ospreys, still fighting on two fronts and this week the scrum five

cameras were allowed admittance behind-the-scenes.

Plenty more of that on a scrum five Sunday. Tune in. We saw Tandy

addressing his troops. Now, Chris Gibbs who caught up with us shortly

ago. Selection, Leinster fully loaded, the Ospreys with strength on

the bench, what is your thinking? Obviously Leinster are fully loaded

putting a good side out. We have put youngsters in among the pack. We

want to rest some players at some point, we don't want to but we

cannot expect them to go all the way through with injuries with Josh and

you have two stop putting the next lottery. We bring in Rory and Watkin

in midfield. It will be a big game for those young fellows considering

his Arab against. Your five from five, they do not get bigger than

this? These are the games you get excited against. These games are

always massive and physical encounters. They will come down here

wanting to get the job done on us and we have a point to prove how

physical we can be. If we look at the performances over the weeks, we

have been where we need to be, we need to be on the money. Good luck.

Phil Davies is on the analysis truck. Happy New Year. You think the

back-row will be a key battle ground tonight. The Leinster back-row is

the Irish back-row for the forthcoming Six Nations. Absolutely.

Happy New Year. Arguably, yes, they have great experience, what I like

is the way they try to get the go forward for Leinster through

dominance of the gain line and the ball carrier. Some great clips here

of Jamie Heaslip, a dummy and he was off controlling and again making the

gain line. He is aware of the support and he is breaking tackles

and getting Leinster going forward. Rhys Ruddock, uncompromising hitting

Gareth Owen. Retaining the ball and shows a turn of speed and a hand off

scoring against the Blues. And the Powerhouse in the Sean O'Brien, a

British Lion. He loves to get over the gain-line, getting the ball in

hand. The Leinster back-row and Leinster attack going forward.

Fantastic power and ball control and footwork to get the attack moving

forward. A handful for the Ospreys back-row to contain tonight. They

have two Welsh internationals, James King and Dan Baker. Justin Tipuric

is on the bench. As you say, the experience of Leinster, you have a

youthful exuberance of the Ospreys and James King is becoming a key

player for Ospreys, and accurate player, I coached him in under 20s,

he is a key part. Sam Underhill, born in the USA, brought up in

England and playing and studying in Wales. Man Of The Match in his

debut. Dan Baker, the main ball-carrier, he will be looking to

get his game and the level of his game up so he can get in contention

for Six Nations and he needs a big big game against the Lions number

eight, Jamie Heaslip. Very intriguing. We talked recently about

how the returning internationals take credit for the Ospreys turning

a corner. I know you have given a lot of credit to Dan Evans and Hanno

Dirksen as unsung heroes. They have delivered the goods. Dan Evans since

he signed for Ospreys has been fantastic. You doesn't make any

mistakes which is the first and foremost the strength from a

fallback. The reason he doesn't get picked internationally is lacking

the speed at top level. He is superb. Hanno Dirksen has struggled

over the last few months with injuries. 2030 minutes against

Bordeaux and came off the bench making a huge impact. Over Christmas

we have had two chances and two tries. Again, not the quickest on

pace but you have two wingers with Jeff Hassler who do not slow down.

That is what you want from the wingers. They need the characters

against an experienced Leinster backline. Talking of physicality, we

will talk about Ben Taylor but are expected Gary Ring Rose play for

Leinster. A bloke who Brian O'Driscoll tips as the next big

thing. It is testament to the strength of the Leinster squad they

can leave him out. In Ben Taylor they have explosive player who

Ospreys will need to contain. Anybody who follows rugby league, he

played in Australia and Queensland, the toughest sport in the world. He

gets great angles, he struggled for Leinster he broke his arm early on

but he has come back and found his feet. He is so powerful. He loves

the off-load. He is a huge threats tonight to a young Ospreys midfield,

Owen Watkin is, attacking, good contrast. I am looking forward to

seeing it. What goes through the mind of Owen Watkin, under 20s

player, does he think I will have a crack at this or concerned? I think

they will be bouncing for. Steve Tandy s team talk has done for him.

Tandy's team talk has done for him. The question came up, second choice,

but he has nothing to lose, the young kid. He's up against two

hugely influential experienced players so I am looking for to

seeing him and Sam Underhill. A great match ahead of us at Liberty

Stadium. Worth mentioning Leinster have not won here since 2009 but

they know a rare win tonight at the liberty takes them to the top of the

league, can they do it will Ospreys win again? Will find out in the next

80 minutes. There was Welsh language commentary on the red button.

It is the two formed teams that are appearing at the Liberty Stadium

this evening. Five from five for the home team, six from six for the

visitors led out by Isa Nacewa. Changes upfront from the team that

built Connacht last week but every single one of the pack are

international and the back are powerhouse. A great balance. Rob

Kearney means I soon as they were moves out of the wing. -- Isa

Nacewa. Thornton with huge boots to fill. Sam Underhill is an emerging

talent and Dan Baker recovering some of last year s form. Brendon Leonard

of last year's form. Brendon Leonard back after missing the last three to

partner Dan Biggar. A second ever start for Owen Watkin midfield.

Dixon is in try scoring form. Paul James having the honour of

being captain this evening with Alun Wyn Jones on the bench. Lloyd Ashley

was the one who led the team for the opening half a dozen matches of the

season. Alun Wyn Jones was on World Cup duty. Alun Wyn Jones and Justin

Tipuric other big names on the bench. Cronin, Marty Moore and Ian

Madigan are big-game players for Leinster.

David Wilkinson of Ireland is the man in charge this evening. And a

taste of what is to come in the Six Nations, Johnny Sexton against Dan

Biggar. Ready? I get a sense that Lindstrand contemplate a night, and

they need to play the big players playing well. But I get is that

Leinster have come to winter night. They have the Six Nations on the

horizon, they look to go through. A lot of the season undefeated after a

weaker performance. Some international players need to get

themselves into form. The rain comes to greet the kick-off from Johnny

Sexton. Durston found his way to the try line last time that the liberty.

Especially with the conditions as they are, wouldn't be surprised to

see them taking this evening. Considering the weather we have had,

it is lovely. I would imagine the Ospreys will kick a lot in their own

half. Another -- not a great kick by Dan to start. To not get the destiny

-- the distance. Attacking position from less -- Leinster right from the

start. Getting away from the touchline. Carrie from tight

furlong. Support from the Leinster pack. Runners inside and out to keep

an eye on him. They have numbers outside. They

rushed away the first would-be tackler but Dan Biggar hanging on in

there. Leinster or re-cycling well. A little narrow at the moment. --

Leinster are. Good setup again from Fitzgerald. Nice off-load to Sexton.

Furlong, or Brian. A little pocket dynamo over number seven.

Already a long period of defending for the Ospreys on or about their

own 22. They still have not conceded any territory, they have kept them

out there. The line speed has been good, they kept the communication,

have not been sucked into the rucks. Not anyone going into the

rocks just now, the defenders out there. They are not giving any

yardage. This is the danger mark. Eventually the ball given away and

the Ospreys win that first bout of defending. You have to applaud them,

great defence. The little kick goes in. There is the danger. You got to

go high on him, he is direct and will take you on. If you are doing a

drift defence he will show you. Great defence by the Ospreys.

Unfortunately is it -- it is a drop in 22, so it will go along and they

will be defending again. Good discipline. So easy to give a

penalty. That is a real gift for the Ospreys. Luke McGrath drops it. A

nice little Robredo for the Ospreys -- little reprieve. Nice attacking

scrum near the Leinster 40 metre line. Let's see what they will do

with it. Really is an unexpected bonus, no pressure at all on Luke

McGrath. Straight through the red bus. Wait for my call. He is back.

Nice time, probably. Lovely tan. Especially stood next to Rob Howley.

Baker hands it to Leonard. He is in no great hurry to get away.

Paul James, back fully charged this week after resting last week. Scott

Baldwin weights and gets. Bigger on the angle. -- Dan Biggar on the

angle. Leonard tries to sneak his way through. Get it to scrum-half.

Release white. What kind of variations have the Ospreys got?

James King was back on the angle, inside the Baldwin. If someone comes

out of the line, great speed from to that first tackle. Really determined

running towards the try line. Free player committed a penalty. Now they

should go for the try. Going out wide. Dan Evans takes it outside

him, tackled by all Brian, an important tackle from the Irish

flanker. -- Sean O'Brian. Going back for a bonded over here. -- for

advantage. It is a clash of heads. It is a clash of heads, Ben Teo,

comes in, buying. Ben Teal and Heaslip, isn't it? -- and Heslop.

Jamie Heaslip has taken a real knock, but that is Jeff Hassler at

his best. You mentioned at the top of the show they are two wingers who

run their way to the contact, accelerate into the contact at our

sole physical. Not the kind of guy he will look at videos going, what's

frame coming off his left foot, you will come straight at you. He has

got to go off. -- that our sole physical -- that are so physical. He

is determined to try and say -- stay on but he will have to go. Yes, he

would be coming back on either tonight. Looks like he has a nasty

cut. You know as an ex-player who has had a real clout or not. Who has

taken a Big Bang. They are already missing Cian Healy to injury. A big

loss to them in the back row. He will be fined in four weeks. He will

be in Dublin, bang on the head, but very durable. He plays week in, week

out for Leinster. Always puts a shift in as well. 80 caps for

Ireland. He was down earlier, took a knock-on the head as well. Sexton

back for his second spell after France. Looking after Mike Phillips.

Could have come back sooner. He's let -- Heslop certainly could

not find his feet. Just sitting at the moment, which is better than a

moment ago. It is good care because as a player you want to get back on

with it, yes I'm OK, but hang on, he has got to go straight off, someone

else can go on and get checked, stays off and then goes through the

assessment. It is unfortunate for Leinster and Jamie Heaslip in

particular. Does not look as though getting back on any time soon. He is

tough, giving Dominic a little wink. The Ospreys are going for the

corner. Dominic Ryan, number 20. Thorton scrambles it back. Ospreys

could not get the drive they wanted on. Advantage of side, white.

Offside. Jarvis. Sean O'Brian is over the ball. They

have got to touch again because this is tougher than the last kick, so I

would issue they would go for the same decision. -- assume. They will

be looking for a better organised line-out initially.

Again, though, the challenge from Leinster prevents the initial clean

catch. Good work. Thornton stopped by Ryan. The ball is there. Leonard

leads it to the forward 's. Just a metre or two to go. Brian is

thumping away, Rhys Ruddock, Baldwin's progress. Ospreys taking

their time. Release white. Sam Underhill again. Hands off, seven.

Lost it as he tried to get it back while being slippery. That is a big

call, you go for the try, you've got to come away with something. Great

position. Something you see week in week out, the Ospreys, once they get

in the 22 day pick and go and wait with the col for when they think it

they have the numbers, probably just too many. There was an opportunity,

for one second they had a three on two. Crunch. Bind. Set.

Good, solid scrum from Leinster. Turns out to be an excellent scrum.

Now, not just clearance, they can also claim the line-out if they find

touch. Strong scrum, good relieving kick. A great fielder, so the

Ospreys, try scoring opportunity has been missed. When you play against

Leinster with all of their best players out, you think those are the

opportunities you've got to take. Ten minutes up, both devices have

held firm. Let's get update from pitch side. It is definitely HIV for

Jamie, he had some blood around his mouth. -- HIA. He didn't look like

he's on a died January from the way he's walking, so don't think he will

be back. -- dry January only because you are.

Strauss buries himself in the middle of that Leinster pack.

Jeff Hassler was bumped off it by Rob Kearney as he approached. Dave

Kearney, sorry. You got to go for the ball. Not the greatest kick. He

was not looking at as low, was he. Brendan has given him a little note

as well. -- knowledge. Not the clean catch. Leinster are not to terms

with that long -- Osprey line-out earlier. The two Carney brothers

working together defensively. Add a bit of space as well. Just as well

he was there. Evans has too hurried kick in end, anywhere downfield.

Here comes the reply. From Sexton. Superbly taken by Leonard. Looking

to see where the gaps were behind. Sexton has plugged that one. He has

worked out the angle expertly. That is a great kick. Very good kick.

Realises he has too disrupted a bit from the kicking duel. He just has a

clip -- has a look and rifles in. This is the take. Good to see him

back. Even if it doesn't have the impact everyone hoped for, I think

that's due to injury because when he plays he is a confident player. He

scored six tries in his 37 games in his two years as a zebra, yet to get

his first league scorer for the Ospreys. He must have been there top

try scorer, mustn't he? Waited for the defender to land

before planting him. Keep an eye on Luke Fitzgerald in the Six Nations,

lots of talk about the starting 12 against Wales.

Jack McGrath is the one who gave away the penalty.

Again, good line speed. Three was too many. Off he goes. Once you are

on the ground you are out of the game. The initial crawl was fine

because no one held him, but as soon as they got a handling, Naismith was

OK, now, there we are. Everyone should have moved either way and let

him go 50 to the try line. -- out the way. That is each, play on.

Forward from a foot rather than a hand. Good possession for the

Ospreys. Especially in these conditions, it is teaming down.

Leading by example. Bigger looking for the drop goal to break the

deadlock. And he has slotted it. Nicely done, Dan Biggar. Good play,

they went for the try in the first two line-outs, nothing came on it

and with the pressure they have come the ball is a slow coming back, just

a nice little dink and it is over. The rain has come down again. A

lovely strike. Good awareness from Dan Biggar. It has been a bit of a

stalemate in the 22 twos, defences on top, so they came away with

something. -- in the 22s. Megraw setting it on

the ten metre line. Lovely little kick. Superb skills. Cover by

Hassler. Has done really well. Sexton getting physical. Some lovely

skills. The one thing you cannot defend against, they have the

vision, Leinster and keep their width and the execution to get the

kick, everyone thought the kick was overcooked, but it will brilliant

skills. -- but it was. The clear comes in from Dan Biggar. That is

good. You watch the Leinster scrum-half, chases it down and

forces him, this is a lovely kick. Brilliant skills. Good take-up,

brilliant. Has obviously come back out of attainment, so much respect

for the list of the Leinster squad, held with so much esteemed out in

Dublin. To get the transfer, the kick in and keep his balance, great

player, his reading of the game is good. Should have had more than just

the one cap with Fiji. Evans in the wars. Running repairs for him. Sean

Davis on at full-back. -- Sammy Davis. I don't know if they will

employ a kicking game, he will help in that department, Sean Davis. It

is going backwards. Great defence from the Ospreys. Still there and

are still in control. It's it out to Sexton, the cross kick, and that is

well weighted. Can he? Reaches out and makes it. Cross kick one way

then the other, and this time Dave Kearney finishes off. If they have

not learned from the previous kick, you've got to keep your wits. You

cannot be sucked in. Must have been ball watching there. The kick is

precise, the take and the finish is very good. Just watch, nothing

really on. Look how tight they are. He has dropped back, has learned.

Not reading the play or watching the opposite number. Sam Davies just

coming on the field, full-back, not quite the same vision as Dan Evans,

great thinking for stop it is a killer blow, because the Ospreys

pack are doing terrifically well to stop, it is on was as if Johnny

Sexton was on the front foot putting that kick on. They must have looked

at it. The wing is alleged they defend tight and drop back, there is

plenty of space outside the winger, the full-back is not across come got

to hold your width. If you are back, you can drop back and sprint up,

you've got to stand roughly against your winger.

Johnny Sexton's kick for the try was a beauty. As the conversion was not

too shabby either. Not much in it, but the position of the kick makes

it easy for Carney to finish. As Martin said, that will be a blow for

the Ospreys. I think they have really competed well in the first 20

minutes. Try scorer, Carney, carrying the

ball out to the 22. This will be interesting. Was that

late by Sam Underhill on Johnny Sexton? We have an open site at and

I think that looks good. It looked fine by me in normal time. Let's

look. Nothing wrong with that at all, he is committed. I used to love

the battles like that, if you play it on normal speed, he has jumped as

well, Sexton. The black player could have pulled out of that can he

grabbed him after he kicked it and grabbed into the ground. I want to

be lies him and have a word with him. He in the air. He has jumped,

and if Sam Underhill... I would be happy with that as a stand-off. As a

challenge by a number seven, I don't think that is a penalty. But Sexton

has to keep his foot out. If Kit Sexton kisses foot up Underhill has

a mouthful of steel. Johnny Sexton is looking fine there. In fairness

to him. I'm with Martin. As a stand-off you got to pull them on to

you and you got to suffer the consequences was studies decision

has gone with Johnny Sexton, next time he comes, Sexton will step it

wasn't like that, that is what the game is about. He played great and

he has got the penalty and put them on most down to be 22. The rest said

Sam Underhill could have pulled out. I'm not sure. The fact Johnny Sexton

dumped after he kicked it makes it look much worse than it is. They say

he should have pulled out, to be honest. At is what the game is all

about. -- that is. Haven't seen or Brian carrying too much in the

opening quarter. -- Sean O'Brian. Feat. Ball was out. Good play, great

steel. James King. Superb work by Owen Watkin. What a break, look to

the outside, has law was not quite there. Nacewa leading by a country

mile. The pressure, great work by Owen Watkin. That is what they see

in this youngster. Just 19 years old. Just his second start for the

Ospreys. That is a lovely play, just what come he gets away, put a bit of

tome Salva Kiir -- toe. They cannot get to him on the inside. Baker,

good feet, Owen Watkin again to receive.

Just a little bit up right, Baker is struggling. He is a hobbling dad --

badly, Dan Biggar. Or it would -- Owen Watkin again showing good

awareness. Played every game for the under 20s last year, the Six Nations

and the Junior World Championship. He is a -- he has a big limp. Greasy

ball, it has rained a lot over the last 20 minutes. Time of. While Dan

Baker is getting treated let's go back down to fill. He has lent, as

you can gather ideas and the stain of that that's interesting because

if that is confirmed as a concussion Wales play Ireland for weeks on

Sunday and many people think the back broke Leinster had to start

tonight could be the Irish back row for the Wales game. That would be

interesting if concussion is confirmed. Dan Evans is off with a

blood replacement, he is having some stitches put in. We have had a tweet

from Dragons outside-half who says he is watching the game from his

hospital bed in Newport having had the operation under your's today. He

pulled a pectoral muscle, he's had the operation, great to know you're

watching, best wishes for a speedy recovery. All to see you on the

field soon. Tonight, you can sit in that seat and make some

observations. Hope Jones is feeling OK. Best wishes for a speedy

recovery. That is a cheeky effort. Free shark, penalty. I don't really

understand why you take it as a drop goal when you have the penalty for

Dubya have three points, it is worth sticking it up in the air. Free

shot. A lovely strike from Dan Biggar.

Ospreys back in the points. They will be quite pleased. The

Ospreys... The concentration, the cross kick.

Playing really well. They have been the better side. On the coaching

front looking at the defensive strategy and structures and two

cross kicks in, one came off and the other one nearly came off.

Charging on the restarts as well. They make such a difference.

James King did really well. Well played. Nicely done to Brendon

Leonard. WHISTLE BLOWS

Unlucky for Luke McGrath. I think it was knocked on. The extra

man from the turnover and looking for the overlap.

A clever clever kick. He saw Leonard sweep him too deep. A dink over the

top. He could not get to it. It has been evident from the 25

minutes, the first... The first passage of play with the Ospreys did

not compete for the ball. Leinster, Strauss, Dominic Ryan, they are

contesting hard. The Ospreys need to be wary as the game goes on.

The crowd having no affect on Johnny Sexton. That is one way of shutting

the crowd up. David Wilkinson had a word with Paul

James before Johnny Sexton went for goal saying any requests have to

come through him. This was the little chip.

Unfortunate, good effort. You almost got away with it. If you

have a chip in the middle, the winner is there as well. You watch

Australia, the first is allowed. Great in the air.

Most of the backs and sides are forward these days. Good contest so

far, this. A bit of magic. The referee seems to think Leinster

on top thing to the Ospreys they have to take the pressure.

It becomes important where you play this game. The Ospreys have to play

outside their own 22 if the scrum is under pressure. Solid as you like

for Leinster. Sam Davies was the other side of the

line when he took it. Dan Evans is coming back on the field.

Both elements of the set piece have been testing for the Ospreys.

Cleanly won by Thornton. Sexton thought he may have been

inside but checked and knew he had to get rid of it quickly.

Plenty of chasers. The chase was good, the kick would have been under

pressure. Piling the pressure on their own 22. The Ospreys habitus

scramble. When the Ospreys are back in the 22,

they really put the squeeze on. Jeff Hassler has been struggling.

Eli Walker comes on in place of him. I don't think it's a penalty. The

crowd are not happy but... What is he going to do? What else can he do?

Wear with Hanno Dirksen, not Hanno Dirksen, Eli Walker? -- where

was...? Half-time at Murrayfield. Clermont and Bordeaux are both in

the Ospreys group. That was a fair context -- contest. It is a contact

sport! This is the first one... You can

normally tell whichever team puts the ball in, it is solid. A lot of

experience on the Ospreys front as well.

When I play for Neath with practice the scrummage practice going

backwards! Sexton not afraid to go aerial.

Plenty of time for Dan Biggar. It wasn't ten metres. Offside by six

yards! A free kick which means he can't go

direct to touch. But they have got the tall frame of

Devin Toner. Yes, frustrating they are so

dominant but if they kicked the ball away, giving a penalty away they

will be 30 or 40 yards up the field and it is Leinster position again.

If they can keep their discipline... That one period where a series of

pick and goes near to the Leinster try-line for the Ospreys was the

only time Leinster have looked anything like uncomfortable. Since

then, they have been well in control.

Sam Underhill is a time to watch, only 19. Great tackle, held his

ground. International big back row and he

has gone toe to toe. It is good to know that if Justin

Tipuric does need a rest, God forbid he gets injured, they have somebody

who can step up in Sam Underhill. He held his ground and he didn't

watch Sexton, if he went right he was not following, he stood there

and held his space and defended his space for the inside ball. Great

tackle. Ospreys have their day at the scrum.

Aaron Jarvis getting the plaudits. There will be time for a restart

after this. The Ospreys will be not too

displeased, especially if this goes over. I think they will be happy

apart from that kind of cross kick. They would have watched, if you go

to analysis, cross kicks so you cannot do ball watch and take UI of

your opposite winner. -- take your eye.

The craned his neck to have a look. The wrong side of the post.

Disappointment for Dan Biggar. He will have to put it behind him. Just

a one school game. -- one score. One play before they get back to a dry

changing room. Kicked this straight to touch. Dan

Biggar looking to make amends. That is it. Half-time, boys.

Interesting, very interesting first half. Everything to play for in the

second period. A contest, four points in it. A one

score game. Even in terms of possession, Leinster getting the

edge in terms of territory. Martin, you mentioned how it would

be a back-row battle, that is an area Leinster are edging making a

nuisance of themselves. The conditions are difficult. We had a

downpour after kick-off. Not just the back-row, Richard Strauss and

Jack McGrath are inept at getting hold of the ball and making it

different for Leonard. When I look at both sides on paper, a positive

half apart from the cross kick. As you mentioned it, let us get the

Phil Davies analysis. Jonathan Davies said you cannot afford to

defend narrowly because they play with width and the Johnny Sexton

cross was pure Leinster. Yeah, absolutely right. Spot-on. They have

been doing it for years. You see Sexton did it early on where he put

the clip in, kick in, putting it over the top. He reads it

beautifully and chips forward. Before the try, Ospreys are slow to

organise defensively. Jeff Hassler is in late.

Sexton has identified it, they keep the ball under control, Sexton is

aware what is happening, the Ospreys back line comes up and as you can

see Leinster still driving and moving forward and sitting control.

Sexton is aware of what is happening. There is the space. Dan

Biggar comes out of the line quickly, the line follows and all of

a sudden Sexton, beautiful kick, he checks Jeff Hassler, Kearney catches

it and the momentum takes over for a great score. A smart try by

Leinster. You have to keep your wits in defence. Smart Plato outmanoeuvre

the Ospreys -- winds. -- smart play. We talked about Dan Biggar against

Sexton at the top of the match, given his mastery of that play, is

Sexton edging it now? You cannot judge it. Phil picks out the vision

assessment but also the outside men... He is right out, a pretty

cold move and they are so good. A quick line speed. Dan Biggar doing

what he does best. They went for the try early on instead of the three

points. There was nothing really on at times five or six phases, the

defence was well-organised. It is great to see, coming away with

something. A great decision making from Dan

Biggar. Plenty to be positive about. A one score game as we said and the

Ospreys despite a Gulf and experience in positions more than

holding their own. Absolutely. The Ospreys will be happy. Going in at

half-time and some great clips showing their tenacity without the

ball, good tackling, Underhill throwing his body in front. The same

with King and Baker. King is alert on the breakdown. Scruffy

presentation by Leinster, Paul James a scrum-half pass and Watkin. A

great break. Great aerial skills by James King. The Ospreys... Gathering

the restart control the base. Baldwin is there. Leg drive and

power, look at this from Underhill. A young fellow, 19, not afraid. Good

leg drive. He set the Ospreys going forward, controlling the base of the

ruck and Leonard puts a box ticking. The Ospreys will be happy, great arm

wrestle and a really intriguing second half and the Ospreys are in

the game with an experienced team playing well as a unit. Steve Tandy

said what the boys lack of experience they will make up for in

enthusiasm. Sam Underhill does not look like an 18-year-old. He is

holding his own against Sean O'Brien. The shape, size and power,

19 years of age. I know his captain the under 18. He is another one of

the conveyor belt in regional rugby. So many in the system, she got

penalised, nothing wrong with that. He was milking the penalty. He is

behind Justin Tipuric, he will get much game time that he stepped up

tonight. I wonder if we can convert into Welshman! Another 19-year-old

who was thrust into the limelight, we have seen him before for Ospreys

but not much. Owen Watkin has looked to the manner born. 19-year-old, up

against Fitzgerald, British Lion, Ben Te'o. Great hip strength, great

speed. There was a bit of toe and lovely kick. Great to see youngsters

getting the opportunity. We cannot go out by the superstars the French

and can buy but giving younger players an opportunity and I have

been impressed with both. More than holding their own. On the bench

there is a lot of firepower, four points in the game when might we see

Alun Wyn Jones and others coming on? It is interesting. Alun Wyn Jones or

Justin Tipuric will want to be on the field now. Depending on the

first ten minutes, if Leinster get a score early on you could see them on

after 15 minutes but it is nip and tuck and I expect him to hold them

back. We must wait and see what Steve Tandy does. There was action

tomorrow -- no action because of rescheduled European fixtures.

The worst thing you have forgotten? Birthday? Oh, yeah. I forgot Ben s

Birthday? Oh, yeah. I forgot Ben's birthday. They did their weights and

routines, there were meetings and day in day out in any workplace

regardless being it a joy to work you need to freshen it up. Plenty

more on those features on scrum five Sunday at five o'clock. More

revelations from the war buttons on top of the one he forgot his twin

brother s birthday! His twin brother! Shocking stuff. He also

said, repeating the point he made earlier that he will be happy to

finish his career at the Blues, Sam Warburton and win trophies for them.

Some may end his career at the Blues. Some of starting his Blues

career Matthew Morgan he signed for the Blues on a two-year deal.

Exciting times, a player who relishes playing with the ball in

hand and on the pitch he should be at home. Yeah, a brilliant signing.

It is so exciting, Matthew Morgan, unbelievable try. Such a shame he

felt he had to go to Bristol in the first place. He should never have

been lost to the Welsh system. Question marks over whether he is

big enough, I hate this Shane Williams X Factor thing but the

signing is 15, his best position and he will be a dangerous attacking

threat. With Nick Williams the skill is coming back. Exciting times. Good

signings and Jonathan, as Martin said, he has been signed principally

as a 15, played much of his at ten. Do you think 15 is the best position

for him? We have not seen enough of him, really. With the space he likes

to be seen a full-back is the best position. The one thing is, we don't

want to spoil him and put him everywhere. On the wing and the

full-back or outside-half. For me, play full-back, he learned his trade

and then he gets better week in, week out. If they think that where

he wants to play, it is a great pitch for him to do that on. It is

exciting times and is nice for him to be back in Wales. Back to

tonight, when do you expect we might see Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn

Jones coming on? It is difficult, really, they are going quite well.

If they... Some of the coaches say it is done before the game so maybe

if there is an injury or they think the tactical change is right at that

time, it is Steve Tandy's call. I time, it is Steve Tandy s call. I

would think that it would be a waste to have those on the bench if they

are not being used within 20 minutes. The teams are coming back

out. Let us remind ourselves of what happened in the first half. Two

teams coming in on a cracking run of form, bad news for Leinster. Dan

Biggar kicked the Ospreys into the early lead but then the only try of

the half, precision cross kick from Johnny Sexton to Rob Kinney. The

Ospreys within touching distance. 10-6 is the current school. As both

teams prepare for the kick-off, do you think Ospreys can pull it back?

Anything is in this game. They have acquitted themselves well, a cliche

but the first score is vital particularly if Leinster pull away

with two scores. Welsh language commentary on the red

Button. We can turn to Jonathan and Gareth Jones. Thank you. Just a

4-point gap as Dan Biggar gets the second half under way. Leinster

could go back to of the table this evening. Scarlet is to play against

on Sunday. Edinburgh looking for a bonus point, they could also post

the top the table. Getting interesting at this stage of the

season, everyone trying to make the most of this week. Then the Six

Nations loom large in a couple of weeks and lots of teams will lose

lots of influential players again. Yes. Chief of them are the Ospreys.

Hands off. That is good defensive work by

Leinster. How many times have we seen that? The Irish provinces and

national side. Lovely ball, but he just held up,

ball and all tackle, cannot get to ground. It is a shame, very good

attacking position. He must stay within 15.

Use it. Take it in. Do you know what, I think it was close. Dixon

has taken it back in. A little bit too far out. No hands,

white? Again, the chase is very good. Doing

really hard work pressurising Ospreys in their own third, Watkin

on hand again. He really tracks the ball carrier so well. There is a

Ukraine front of you, straight ahead. No chance for Jonathan

strapped. -- there is a hooker. Did well to regather that one. They have

a penalty. There is one opportunity there Querrey hooker was in the line

against one of the backs, take him on but unfortunately they shifted

it. Dan Baker is rediscovering some of

his form. Maybe the greatest English players

of all time, watching. Now, can they try and look for some

spaces as they get across to bring down Dirksen. Baker looking to carry

again. Release it, white! Told to release

it and he didn't. The tackler must release quicker. The instruction was

quite clear from David Wilkinson. Yes, I could hear him.

Ospreys have worked hard to get themselves this far downfield. Dan

Baker has been prominent in the ball carrying stakes. Sam, alongside him,

is having an excellent game. They carry again, the first line of

attack. Paul James still managed to gather and keep meant calling for

the Ospreys, keep the attack alive. James lays it back. When the ball is

so slow, there is so many defenders out there, you cannot go wide. Ball

was out. Black feet. Where were the feature? The distance away from

Brendon Leonard. -- feature? That has gone forward. Great tackle

again. Outstanding. Smashed it. I am not sure. Let's have a look at

this. Taking it in. There was no rock formed -- no ruck form. Great

hit, chucks it anywhere. Who is this kid going to play for? England?

Richard Hill is his mental. Not a bad mental. England is obviously

well documented. They have not got an out and out seven for me.

Convention which has lots. You got to wait two and a bit use them to

qualify. I think we have quite a good few sevens of our own, so we

are not that desperate frame, but he looks the real deal. Johnny Sexton

is a big, physical man. One-on-one tackle, the guy spotted him in. I

would not be surprised if he is looking at the Aviva. Using

University in Wales. Born in Washington, DC and is from

Gloucester, he only turned 19 in July. He is playing for Bridgend, so

wouldn't be surprised if there is a knock-on the door frame into long.

Could get a transfer fee for him as well, Ospreys. Well documented that

England do really struggle for an out and out seven. 19 Comey does

look the real deal. -- 19, he does. He has certainly enhanced his

repetition tonight. Good scrum. Baker, Watkin, held up by Te'o. And

they have done enough to win the scrum. I don't understand why you

get the ball out of that scrum, you are going forward five metres out,

from a stand-off, keep it in, keep it in. It was not a call from the

referee, it was Asian between Leonard and Baker. Leonard maybe had

a call from Dan Evans on the far side. Maybe they felt they were

losing their shape a bit. Up to him to try and control it. No matter how

many times you see the penalty given to decide going forward. That is

just it, the ball going in, is it OK if we kept it in? He said, of

course. He's going next time keep it in, it is OK. They're chatting with

Dan Baker as well. They have certainly evened up the

scrums, Ospreys last couple have been very good. -- Ospreys'. Good

battle during the front rows. Line. Set. Behind the ball, black nine.

That is what they needed when they were going the other way, Ospreys,

that is the kind of control at eight when the scrum has skewed that

brings you penalties. That look like Tamura broke his binding, so

interesting to see that one again in slow motion. They were definitely

going forward. 7243 fans agree with you. -- 7000 340. Let's see that one

again. Little decisions make a huge difference in this type of tight

game. Get in on the Leinster throw. That

was knocked on. No advantage. Bring it in. Great read. Read where the

call was going, get up and spoils the ball. Do you see a knock-on?

Just got it in. It is an Ospreys scrum.

Crouch. Bind. Set. No sign of any movement from the Osprey bench yet.

Ten minutes into the second half. They are flying round the corner

that time. I would bring them on one point because they have not looked

like scoring a try yet, take the three points. I think he's

penalising the cipher walking around -- the side for a walking foot

appeals a Yad the upper hand on Alan Jarvis. No one is guilty, all six of

them. It is a lottery. Just pulls the last one just before

half-time. This one slightly longer, including the angle.

Has he? Overcompensated. Two kicks he usually nails. It was just the

heel in the ground and the grass. The knock-on the shoulders.

Have to say, he fights well. Watkin, another 19-year-old who has really

had his hand up this evening. Do you thing he knows Richard was watching

him? I think he is enjoying himself was that he has had a great game.

The ball is out, play on. They are making life difficult for Brendon

Leonard this evening. It is on. Watkin. Back inside. White one,

hands off. They are doing everything this side of legality to slow it

down. They are just slowing it down by that split second. Forwards

mainly out there, Eli Walker. Sean O'Brien as well. It is a penalty on.

Not much else at the moment after that pass. They are building the

pressure, hopefully now they'll take this kick, get back in, they have

got the upper hand at the moment. This will not be a high-scoring

game. It will be a couple of points in it, a try to get away from each

other, but for me this is all about where the game is played, turn the

pressure into points, because defensively both sides are doing

very well. When you are on the ground you have got to let it go.

Not a bad time to bring this one on if it is a 1-point game. Hope it is

a 1-point game. The guys that have stepped in, everyday held their own.

They are doing exceptionally well, the youngsters. Nothing between the

forwards. Biggar is successful, Ospreys back

within one point. Here comes Alun Wyn Jones. Popular

as ever. He really is a talisman. It is absolutely chucking it down

now. Monsoon weather. Eli Walker. Nice to get away from danger. Now it

is about not making mistakes because it is atrocious out there! A bit of

hail in the mix as well. Just as well that Sean O'Brien could

not take it, and he knows it. He was in, wasn't he? Look at that. Off the

shoulder, all the way home. That would have been a 7-point, in off a

black. We picked him out before the game that doesn't make a mistake,

Dan Evans. I don't think Sean O'Brien would have the legs to get

there. You think? Alun Wyn Jones Jason him? He is fresh. -- chasing

him. Crouch. It was a sharp but

thankfully short shower. To flesh traders in that -- fresh players in

Leinster front row. Crouch. Bind. Set. Lovely inside

ball. Just really sped off the base of the scrum. Took the ball to the

line there and they just fill the holes. Excellent defence by the

Ospreys. Underhill again. James King. Going

really well for the Ospreys tonight. A bit of a tussle going on in the

scrum fuzzed up its great to see a good back like this in these gun

without them collapsing all the time. Quite a few of those will be

involved in a few weeks. Pat Furlong. The March reached, still

just a 1-point game. -- the hour mark. I understand the Alun Wyn

Jones replaced that -- replacement, it was always preplanned and 25

minutes, player welfare issues, I can see Justin Tipuric just warming

up, taking his tracksuit top off. Maybe it would have been just the --

Justin Tipuric coming in except that Sam Underhill has done such a good

job. Elsewhere, 23-13 Edinburgh up in the other game and Claremont are

leading Bordeaux 22-10. The Ospreys host Claremont next week was a big

day of club rugby tomorrow, I will be at Saint Helen 's first ones

against Pontypridd. The holders, Bridgend, a good fuse guide this

week. It is three and one, a leaked to central clash between Penarth and

Dennis Powys. It is a three and one because it is the district cup match

and a several Macs over ball designated match, run by Michel

Morgan County for clubs in Glamorganshire, which is on its 60th

anniversary this year, the silver ball. Good luck to both teams. Have

a word with the committees and the winning team could get treble free

beer tokens. Thank you. First scrum with the new part --

prop went down and the ball stolen by Leinster. Then as they come in

the side, given our way again. -- given away. Looks like a nothing

penalty, but look. That is a great kick. -- a great kick. Just outside

their own 22. Just squirts out of the side. A change of scrum-half,

Eoin Reddan coming on to replace Luke McGrath. Good line-out ball by

James King of the top, Watkin, looking for the return pass. Clear

out again under rail, look at that. Superbly done by Brendon Leonard to

bridge -- prevent the ball hitting the floor so it was not a knock-on,

but that was. Taking advantage of Luke Fisher on the shoulder. Brendon

Leonard did really well to get the keep order that. -- did really well

to keep hold of that. Well, big round of applause, fully

deserved. Justin Tipuric had been favourite coming on, but the young

man going off, Sam Underhill, has had an outstanding evening.

Brilliant performance from jail, absolutely brilliant. One of the new

signings wearing 18. Ma'afu Fia. More injuries from

Ireland. There he is, what King. Does not look good. No, how

significant is that for Ireland as much as Leinster? -- there he is,

not looking good. Maybe not as bad, actually, has straightened his arm

now. Reid has come on in place of him.

Let's see if the bench can produce the impact in the final quarter? The

game still on a knife edge as Johnny Sexton has a look at Zebre up -- has

a look up. Has gone forward from beggar. Needed a bit more time than

he is odd. It looks happier like it went backwards. Let's have a word.

Hang on. Anything that comes off the hand in any direction, the referee

has to column can -- has to call knock-on. Give them the benefit of

the doubt sometimes. The Ospreys have had plenty of the ball in the

second half. Just the one Dan Biggar penalty. Big scrum from Ma'afu Fia.

Probably the tide is scrum of the evening. Ospreys will not mind

because they have got the put-in. I'm not sure who is dominant now

because one is going forward, the other going forward and there is a

bit of wheeling going on. Initially it was very solid from the Ospreys,

Jack McGrath seemed to be getting a bit under, but on the fireside Nicky

Smith does really well against Marty Moore. It is a good attacking

platform. Or it was, now it's just a shambles.

There we are against the head again. This grand is it -- the scrums are a

bit of a lottery at the moment. Try score on the outside. Everybody stop

for a second. They need to play the whistle, which has not been

blown. They need a bit of space. Great tackle and lovely float, which

sets up Noel Reid so nicely. That is class. We have mentioned him before

the game, he is a very good player, he is going to Worcester next year,

what a brilliant offer this is. The ball comes out, Tommy Ryan, held,

secondary or up against him -- second row. Good steak for Noel Reid

because he was going full is bid. Good support as well. Poor defence

on the outside from the Ospreys. They created a huge dogleg.

Incredible the Ospreys so much in the second half and the first

meaningful attack from Leinster produces a try for Noel Reid. Big

kick. Just the woodwork making it a one

score game. The Ospreys are still there. This is what Leinster are

capable of. Attacking the outside, feeding the inside, great support,

lovely line taken by Noel Reid. He deserves the drive. A massive

conversion. Plenty of time left. Owen Watkin the other youngster has

departed. Sam Davies has gone to full-back.

Interesting because they have played with Sam Davies at ten and Dan

Biggar at 12. Dan Evans has gone up to the centre.

Peter Dooley comes on to complete the new Leinster front row.

Edinburgh continue their rise up the table. A couple of wins over

Glasgow. Level on points for the Scarlets as

things stand. Leinster can afford now to play the

game as Ospreys have it all to do. Great kick. A superb kick from

Johnny Sexton. He has rifled a couple of kicks and

they've been aptly brilliant. Ten minutes to go as well.

Just allowing time for Tom Habberfield to come on for Brendon

Leonard. The Ospreys defend five metres from their own try line.

Alun Wyn Jones backing himself right at the front.

Roddick does so much of the unseen work. -- Rhys Ruddock.

That is the only worry I have got about the Ospreys, they have about

the creativity and pace so apart from...

It is all happening here! They could easily have got the match-winning

try them, Leinster. Dave Kearney had more time than he

thought. He should have given it to Ben Te'o. They could have done it by

hands. Apart from Eli Walker, they have got the creativity and pace to

go from this area. The conditions are against them. It is so difficult

in this weather. It is so difficult out there to

handle. I think it is a penalty. Tom Denton

has done really well. Tom Habberfield felt he was taken

early which created the half chance in the first place.

A lovely ball. Dominic Ryan does well.

Inspector Gadget arms from Devin Toner! They will look at that one.

And Johnny Sexton's reaction was the And Johnny Sexton s reaction was the

main thing. I want to check if he lifted the

legs beyond the horizontal. We are playing Ireland...!

Nothing wrong with that at all. It isn't even a penalty. What do we

know?! Well done, Dan Biggar. He said there

is nothing in it. I do not think it is a penalty.

They seem to accept it now. Only a penalty, no yellow card. He panics

because of the way... It is a different mentality now because of

the way the rules are interpreted. There has to be common sense. There

was nothing wrong with that. Dan Biggar jumps into, the weight takes

him over, the weight will take over. He was in the air. Johnny Sexton

guided him back down. He is quick, this boy. Sean Cronin

is. Nobody within metres of him. Again, so difficult in these

conditions. The cross kick was what Sexton went

for. He must be a good player, his

nickname is nougat. Good speed.

Not as golden as you! Leinster have the Ospreys in a

stranglehold. Dave Cairney size -- slides in. Has

he got the ball down? Tom Habberfield may have done.

Miraculously well. I could not see from the angle. -- Dave Kearney.

If he isn't sure, it hasn't been grounded.

A great angle. He is thinking, I am going all the way.

Yes, he has done. That is the end of the match.

WHISTLE BLOWS Dave Kearney started it and it could

be Dave Kearney that finishes it for Leinster.

A great ball. Inside ball. The back-row is away from the ball. A

great inside run, good finish. Johnny Sexton adds the two extra

points. It does not look as if Leinster need them now. They are way

clear and Johnny Sexton counterpart, the night s work has been done for

him and Leinster. How much fight have the Ospreys got

left? The final couple of minutes. Johnny Sexton has been voted Man Of

The Match. Some of his cross kicking, tries and corner have been

quite superb. He's in control of the game tonight. They have definitely

won the kicking game. The crowd not happy with the Man Of

The Match decision. They have exerted pressure when they

needed to, they exerted control when they needed, taking chances. You

cannot complain about the score. Two well created tries.

Well, the Ospreys s winning run will come to an end. They lost five of

their first six, on the next five and Leinster only two defeat for

them both away from home. The Scarlets and the first match of the

season at Edinburgh, since then, going from strength to strength. And

going to the top of the table. WHISTLE BLOWS

Ospreys trying to salvage something late on as the clock turns red.

The visiting defence has been extremely well marshalled this

evening. They have done it again. A job well done by Leinster. They have

come and made a job. They want a fourth try and a bonus point. They

know the wind is safe -- the winners say. Come I get extra? -- win is

safe. This could go on a while, both teams

want to score. They may not have got the bonus

point but they have their first win at the Liberty Stadium since 2009.

They will go to the top of the Pro12 with a convincing win over Ospreys.

Three tries to nothing. They created the tries very well. They took their

opportunities. The Ospreys missed a couple of kicks which could have put

them in front and psychologically the game would have been different.

When the opportunities came, they took them. Lovely break, flowed, it

is one of those things. -- off-loads. Greater experience, they

were very very clinical. Clinical, professional by Leinster. When they

needed to, they got the points, they got the tries, two foil Dave Kearney

and one for Noel Reid. They will go home with four points and sitting on

top of the Pro12 table for the moment. The first time since 2009,

Leinster have come to the Liberty and one beating Ospreys 22 points to

nine. They had not won here in a long

time. I did not start well for the visitors losing Jamie Heaslip early

on. Dan Biggar kicked the hosts into a three nil lead. The precision

cross kick set up the first try of the game. Dave Kearney was the

beneficiary. Dan Biggar kept the scoreboard ticking over Ospreys and

it was 10-6 at half-time. Some great skills from Ben Te'o. Fantastic

break and a sweet off-loads for Noel Reid.

It went the TMO but it was given. 22-9 to Leinster. They really are

the form team in the Pro12. Scarlets dropped to second, Edinburgh have

beaten Treviso. Scarlets play Connacht on Sunday.

They could return to the top with victory. I guess on balance three

tries to nil, worthy winners. Yeah, in the end it was an arm wrestle

until the Ben Te'o break. Or defence from Ospreys. That is the

difference, Ospreys have not quite got the X factor and the Stardust

like Ben Te'o. One chance, in the balance and they scored. In the end,

they were deserved winners. Good effort but too much experience and

quality in Leinster. When conditions are like they were, atrocious at

times with heavy rain and hail you do not want to be chasing. In the

end, Dan Biggar put the early penalty away at the start of the

second half and it could go either way. That little bit of class and X

Factor that Ben Te'o bought and a great take. When you are chasing and

missed the conversion still a glimmer of hope but in fairness

three tries they were there. They were clinical. Ospreys had

opportunities but could get over try line. They have a huge game against

Clermont next week. Hopefully not too many injuries and players coming

back. Johnny Sexton was Man Of The Match.

Congratulations, how pleasing was it because Ospreys or five from five.

We knew they were on a good run of form. They have been impressive in

Europe as well. They have a big game next week. I thought we did really

well to cope with the conditions and they are a quality side. You have

had a tough couple of weeks in Europe, how much does that

concentrate your minds on the Pro12? Yeah, sometimes the Pro12 games

traditionally we have been taking the aisle off the ball because

Europe has been so big. We are out of the competition and this was the

big game for us. We wanted to finish the competition on a high. How did

you go where conditions? Miserable, the ball was greasy before kick-off.

It was tough but thankfully we did the right things. We were under

pressure. Two... Are you more determined to push in the Pro12? The

home draw for the play-offs and the reason why we are a tough pool is

because we finished fifth or sixth last year. If we finish higher up

now with the new format you get a more favourable draw and hopefully

that will be the case going forward. Any banter between you and Dan

Biggar? We are playing on two different teams, he did some good

stuff tonight. My pack were good and gave me a good platform. Quality

players playing well all season. A different scenario again in a few

weeks' time if we are both playing. Well said. Thank you. Jonathan

Davies has joined us in the studio express from commentary. We spoke

about Johnny Sexton has not quite returned to the form of old since he

came back to Leinster from racing. It wasn't vintage, it was a scrappy

game. We did the basics well and that is what you need to do in these

games. If you put the forwards in the right areas and take

opportunities, three tries from an inside ball and the kick across so

Ben Te'o with the float. That was the difference tonight, they have

special players who can score things and if you look at the Ospreys young

but they have not got the thrust and injection of pace so, for me, put

them in the right areas and control the game so nothing brilliant from

anyone, no will one outstanding individual. It was a scrappy game

and they were clinical experience. Let's remind ourselves of what

Johnny Sexton did right and as he mentioned, the forward pack gave him

a platform to work from and in the conditions did well. That was a

brilliant kick. It is one of those things come off the floor. What he

did as well was he chipped in the first half of the cross kick for the

try. It was a controlling influence in international stand-off. The good

thing was he realised the importance of the conversion. He looks a lot

happier that is back in Leinster. Huge expectation coming back from

rusting Metro. He came back and it is hard to reintegrate yourself

after World Cup, new coaching staff and players so it looks as if he is

beginning to find his feet again. And he came in, there was Darcy and

O'Driscoll. He came in, a youngster there, controlling it but then all

of a sudden though he is a controller, he has youngsters

outside of him and maybe people like Ben Te'o finding his feet. When you

get someone like him you can off-load and he does something with

it. I thought that the upper hand in the forwards instrumental for the

performance but both did their job, no one really dominated that much.

No Darcy or O'Driscoll at Leinster any more but they have Ben Te'o and

that moment of magic in the second-half, a fantastic outside

break and off-load. It was. As Martin said, quite an arm wrestle,

until this well constructed try by Ben Te'o. The Ospreys have a good

line in place, they are all forwards. For me, Dan Evans was deep

in the 22. As the ball comes out, Eli Walker as well is a bit wide,

tries to overcompensate to come off the line quicker and then Baldwin

comes out in front of his inside defenders and that opens up Ben Te'o

to go through. As you say, Dan Evans should be flatter tummy, Justin

Tipuric can't quite get there. It was too deep again. A fantastic

off-load and try for Noel Reid. An outstanding float, a great try and

that is what started the momentum for Leinster. Pulling away from a

determined Ospreys team. Great position from Leinster to finish but

defensive deficiencies. The first thing you notice as a back is look

at the defensive line. You have your Leinster backline, second row and

then a hooker. They get a line wrong and it is still the off-load that

creates a try because they did not give up support play. The Leinster

head coaches with Phil. Congratulations on the win. Has

going out of Europe concentrated minds? Yes, to a degree. We put

everything into the four games so far in Europe, we are good at the

way of the outcome we leave ourselves win, we went hard at all

of those games. It is focused the mind on the league because this is

our sole focus now. We still want to put in big performances at home

against next week. The last three weeks we have had a big focus on

these games. A tough game against the Ospreys. We are delighted. You

came fully loaded tonight. That was vindicated as well.

Want want to win every game we play. We have a lot of faith in our squad.

It is really important over the course of the long season we have

players coming and going at various stages as well. We would have a lot

of faith in the guys who are here and some of the guys who played the

last couple of weeks as well. The conditions were very, very

difficult. It looked like it would be OK, but we had a lot of heavy

showers out there and it made conditions very difficult. One blot

on the landscape was Haslip, looking forward to the Four Nations - any

news about Jamie? He had a ban early on. It is just a head knock. So,

he's up and aboutch he'll follow the usual return to -- about and he'll

follow the usual return to play protocols. He will be already to

play against Wales? He will be. They will be praying that he is fit

because the Irish forward pack and some of the backs as well are

dropping like flies with the Four Nations not that far away. You

wanted to make a remark about the defence. He pointed out Eli Walker

was so detached at the end. That is a consequence of Johnny Sexton's

first field kick. You could see Eli Walker was so wide. They were

thinking the cross-field kick is such a weapon. As he said, Te'o

spots him and he's got from Baldwin in particular to cross over and in

fairness they took their chance. They were buried, it was the final

nail in the coffin when the Ospreys were denied a second point and Tom

Habberfield did his best, but he got there. Tipuric tries to get there.

It is the inside ball. Look at the scrum, this is the finish. But the

gap has opened up because the scrum has fallen the other way and there's

no back row defender to get to him. It is a very, very good try. Again,

they had the opportunity and they scored. Very, very clinical. They

keep on going. Everyone gets involved in it. If anything, they

have got more creativity than the Ospreys. The do the same