Canada 35
Leinster 38
HUGO KEENAN MADE his return from injury to score the winning try as Leinster defeated Canada in a high-scoring and competitive pre-season friendly at Tim Hortons Field in Ontario.
Ireland sevens international Keenan, who is just back after knee ligament damage, scored with the last play of the game to snatch victory for the province as they made it two pre-season wins from two.
Leo Cullen’s side scored six tries but had to conjure a late salvo to avoid defeat to World Cup-bound Canada, who had bounced back after a slow start.
Max Deegan set the visitors on their way with an early try before the Byrne brothers combined for Leinster’s second score, with hooker Bryan dotting down to punish some loose Canadian play.
The Pro14 champions extended their lead shortly after when Caelan Doris broke off the back of the scrum and fed Deegan for his second try of the afternoon, but Canada finished the opening 40 strongly.
Second row Evan Olmstead got the hosts on the board before the break and then further tries from Tyler Ardron and Pat Parfrey, both of which were converted by former Ulster man Peter Nelson, put Canada in front for the first time.
Leinster appeared to regain control of the game through Deegan’s hat-trick score and Josh Murphy but when replacement out-half Harry Byrne saw his attempted clearance blocked down by Kyle Baillie for a seven-pointer, Cullen’s side were facing defeat.
But after strong work by the forwards, Byrne fed Keenan from five metres out to ride two tackles for a TMO-awarded try to give Leinster victory after a valuable work-out in Hamilton.
Cullen’s side finalise their preparations for the new season with a third friendly against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens on 12 September.
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Shane Lowry is a breath of fresh air when it comes to professional sport. Nothing scripted, always honest.
It would be great to see him win the Claret jug.
He has a good chance mick of lifting it! Might do a cheeky bet on him
Lowry is always worth a cheeky fiver e/w
Well said shane! Most of us go for a kickaround on the astro once a week, why shouldnt rory! Nike might give him a boot deal when they’re at it!
Had the pleasure to be in Shanes company for dinner once ..hes a true gent and always talks sense ..Unlucky Rory
Sure he could have done that if he slipped in the bath. He can’t wrap him self in cotton wool.
Lowry himself had a freak injury about 4 years ago. Rumour has it that he fell down the stairs in Coppers! Not sure if true or not. Obviously not quite on the same level but these guys can’t be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to have some semblance of normality in their lives.
Still though it’s crazy timing. The Open at St. Andrews in THE major that everyone wants.
Shane likes a night out. Met him once out in Dublin on a night out. Sound fella.
Accidents happen no matter what, he’s only trying to enjoy himself with his mates. Lowry is talking a lot of sense, as per usual.
I have spoke to same who said what was he thinking the week before the open? what’s your view?
I know the Open is a major, but he is nearly always a week away from some tournament. Why not have a kick around? Sure you can injure yourself walking down the stairs.
that was my view but others seem to think what was he at
Buffon or Toldo. Can’t remember which Italian keeper it was…. but he knocked a shaving gel can on his foot and broke a bone a month before a world cup. sh#t happens.
it was Canizarès the ex Valencia/Spanish Goalie,
Apparently he wasn’t even bring tackled when it happened. It’s just hard luck. He can’t be expected to beat balls all day.