BETTER LATE THAN never is probably a cliche running through the minds of some Leinster fans this evening after watching Ian Madigan orchestrate an entertaining 36-23 win in the Pro12 season finale over Edinburgh.
Despite the clamour from many fans, Matt O’Connor opted for Jimmy Gopperth at out-half for the majority of this season, and with Ulster’s Paddy Jackson playing such superb rugby in the last few weeks, the immaculately coiffed Madigan needed a strong display at ten to reassert himself in the national picture.
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And he delivered in style, slotting an early drop goal to get Leinster on the board. If that highlighted his ability to manage the game, what followed was what we have come to expect from Madigan at out-half. He had a big hand in creating tries for Noel Reid and Jack Conan in the first half, with Hamish Watson responding for Edinburgh.
Leinster needed to win to book Connacht a place in the Champions Cup playoff against Gloucester and it looked likely after Madigan found Zane Kirchner with a skip pass to increase their lead to 22-13 just after half time.
But Edinburgh fought back to take a one-point lead after a converted Tim Visser try and a Sam Hidalgo-Clyne penalty.
However, Leinster dominated the final exchanges, and tries from Jordi Murphy and Luke McGrath saw Matt O’Connor’s men end their season on a high note.
Everything Leinster fans wanted to see from Ian Madigan at 10 this season was on show today
Edinburgh 23
Leinster 36
BETTER LATE THAN never is probably a cliche running through the minds of some Leinster fans this evening after watching Ian Madigan orchestrate an entertaining 36-23 win in the Pro12 season finale over Edinburgh.
Despite the clamour from many fans, Matt O’Connor opted for Jimmy Gopperth at out-half for the majority of this season, and with Ulster’s Paddy Jackson playing such superb rugby in the last few weeks, the immaculately coiffed Madigan needed a strong display at ten to reassert himself in the national picture.
And he delivered in style, slotting an early drop goal to get Leinster on the board. If that highlighted his ability to manage the game, what followed was what we have come to expect from Madigan at out-half. He had a big hand in creating tries for Noel Reid and Jack Conan in the first half, with Hamish Watson responding for Edinburgh.
Leinster needed to win to book Connacht a place in the Champions Cup playoff against Gloucester and it looked likely after Madigan found Zane Kirchner with a skip pass to increase their lead to 22-13 just after half time.
But Edinburgh fought back to take a one-point lead after a converted Tim Visser try and a Sam Hidalgo-Clyne penalty.
However, Leinster dominated the final exchanges, and tries from Jordi Murphy and Luke McGrath saw Matt O’Connor’s men end their season on a high note.
Munster, Ulster and Connacht will all be in playoff action next weekend
One of the most dangerous men in rugby has reminded everyone why he is so feared
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Guinness PRO12 Ian Madigan Leinster playmaker Edinburgh