---
title: "Leinster player ratings: Clermont 24-48 Leinster"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/10/17/leinster-player-ratings-clermont-24-48-leinster/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "Champions Cup"
published: "2026-10-17T16:32:51Z"
modified: "2026-10-17T16:32:52Z"
---

# Leinster player ratings: Clermont 24-48 Leinster

Leinster started their pursuit of a fifth Champions Cup title with a strong away win against Clermont. The famous venue held a very closely contested first half before Leinster opened up the scoreline after the break. Clermont actually carried a 16-15 lead into halftime, but five second half Leinster tries to only one from Clermont would put an end to the home teams hopes.

## Andrew Porter- 8.5

Scrummaged his opponent off the park… literally. Scrum was dominant throughout and picked up a penalty try from the scrum and got his young opponent. Completed all 12 of his tackles.

## Dan Sheehan- 9

Lovely lineout move saw Sheehan make a break which ultimately led to the first try. Really sharp to take advantage of a lineout mistake from Clermont to score the second try. Picked up a second try just before he came off leading from the back of the maul.

## Tadgh Furlong- 8

Scored the opening try. Supported Gunne well and was able to squirm his way below the defender to find the line. Great effort at scrum time and they picked up a penalty try at scrum time.

## Joe McCarthy- 7.5

An incredible shift in the lineout and completed 10 of his 12 tackles in the game. Silly to get yellow carded as the clock went into the red.

## James Ryan- 8

Important intervention at lineout time led to Dan Sheehan’s first try. Completed eight of his nine tackles and made seven carries.

## Ryan Baird- 9

Fantastic leading the lineout and was phenomenal in defence. Also made plenty of l hard carries. Led the game for tackles completing 14 of his 17 attempts.

## Josh Van Der Flier- 8

Solid defensive performance completing 10 of his 13 tackles and was very difficult for Clermont around the ruck. Also got his hands on the ball for seven carries.

## Jack Conan- 8

Brilliant carry to score Leinster’s sixth try. Had to come off holding his arm after the score. Lead the game for carries when he came off making 33 metres from 12 carries, also completing seven of his nine tackles.

## Fintan Gunne- 7

Started the game poorly and didn’t clear the ball within five seconds. Great snipe and offload allowed Tadgh Furlong to get over the line for the first try. Got penalised for a not straight feed at a five metre scrum. Was effective on the ball but did give away the ball too often when carrying.

## Sam Prendergast- 9.5

Brilliant kicking game in the first half. Crossfield kick found Jimmy O’Brien out wide. O’Brien was unlucky not to score.

Started the second half incredibly well. Made a break from his own 22 after a Clermont knock on, kicked through for Jimmy O’Brien who would kick and regather and then offload to Prendergast who was rushing through in support. Awarded the man of the match award and offered everything that Ireland fans will want to see from the young number 10.

## Jimmy O’Brien- 9

Really unlucky not to score the first try of the game in the eighth minute. Took a crossfield kick from Prendergast and chipped and chased but as he tried to regather over the line lost control. Set up Prendergast for the third try. Was able to kick through and regather the ball, but needed to offload to the number 10 on his inside.

## Robbie Henshaw- 6.5

Used as the battering ram from Leinster and was the first sub for Cullen. Made nine carries but was only able to carve 23 metres out. Missed four of his nine tackles.

## Garry Ringrose- 5.5

Only made nine metres with the ball in hand and missed eight of his 14 tackle attempts. Not good enough statistically from a man of his experience.

## Tommy O’Brien- 8

Solid performance on the wing and got his try to seal the game in the end. Completed all seven of his tackles in the game and carried for 27 metres.

## Hugo Keenan- 8

Great take in the air inside the Clermont 22 in the first half that could have ended badly if he didn’t pick it up. Made 28 metres carrying and was good all round with his positioning.