IRISH provincial champions Leinster, who this season have beaten opposition from South Africa, Wales, Italy and all comers on the home front, failed to add New South Wales to their list of conquests under the floodlights at Lansdowne Road last night. The Australian visitors won by 33 points to 19, to bring about a disappointing end to what had been so productive a season for Leinster.
But last night they met a side of greater quality than any other opposition they had encountered this season. Despite the fact that New South Wales had to make a late change in the pack when their Test flanker Willie Ofahengaue had to withdraw because of a back injury and that David Campese had to retire injured after six minutes, when he was slightly concussed, they coped admirably with the disruptions and thoroughly deserved their victory, especially on the strength of their display in the second half.
They were the more skilful and adventurous side and their support play and ball retention were of a different dimension to Leinster who were comprehensively outplayed up front in the second half in every facet of forward play other than the scrum. And while one could say that referee Brian Stirling was at times indulgent with regard to application of the laws the Australians played the game in the circumstances as they obtained and played it extremely well.
We are very pleased with our display. We had several youngsters in the side and that was why we were especially anxious when Willie Ofahengaue had to withdraw. But all the youngsters responded so well. It was easily our best display of the tour. We showed great discipline and application and the continuity play and ball retention were excellent. Our play in the line out was also important. We deprived Leinster of possession in this area and I thought John Welborne did especially well on Neil Francis," said New South Wales coach, Chris Hawkins.
One could scarcely offer any disagreement with those sentiments and, while it was not until the last 10 minutes that New South Wales put the game beyond recall for Leinster - they scored 10 points in the closing stages.
Leinster rarely threatened in the second period despite the fact that they had the ad vantage of the wind.
It was not a good night for some of the Leinster players who had been hoping to impress the Irish selectors. Niall Hogan, however, did well and will not have done his cause any harm. Victor Costello at number eight, however, made little impression but, in mitigation, he did get a knock early on and that may have had its effect and he had to leave the field in the 69th minute.
Steve Jameson was the most productive ball winner in the line out for Leinster, but in the second period Leinster got little in this area - from anyone. Their best spell was in the 10 minutes prior to half time when, after trailing 3-10, Niall Woods scored a spectacular try in the 31st minute with an interception of Tim Kelaher's pass to Richard Tombs. Woods ran half the length of the field to score under the posts. Fergal Campion converted. He had earlier kicked a penalty after Graham Bond had opened the scoring with a fine try for New South Wales. Tim Wallace converted that score, and also kicked a penalty goal.
A penalty and a dropped goal from Campion and two penalty goals from Wallace left it at 16-16 at the interval and Leinster looked to have a chance of scoring another notable win.
But while Campion gave them an early second half lead with a penalty, New South Wales hit back with a fine try from Fili Finau after their proficient rucking and support play had opened the way for the score. Wallace converted and New South Wales led 23-19. Apart from one run by Woods, Leinster never seriously threatened in the second period. Wallace kicked another penalty 10 minutes from the end. Then, in the 78th minute, he hit an upright with a penalty. The Leinster players hesitated, with the ball over their line, and wing Matt Mostyn was up to score his side's third try. Wallace converted for a personal contribution of 18 points.
