Commentator couldn't resist cheeky jab as Rieko Ioane makes Leinster debut
Leinster got their Champions Cup campaign off to a perfect start as they earned a maximum five points in their 45-28 win over Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium.
It wasn’t exactly a perfect performance from Leo Cullen’s side, as they struggled for large periods against a not-at-full-strength Quins side, but with key substitutions like Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath and Tadhg Furlong, Leinster had enough to get over the line against the Londoners.
However, this game will likely be remembered as the debut of All Black centre Rieko Ioane for Leinster.
Ciarán Frawley of Leinster celebrates with teammates after scoring their side’s fourth try. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
The 88-capped All Black came on just on the hour mark for Garry Ringrose, and it wasn’t the immediate impact that many were hoping for, but Ioane had a solid outing, especially for a guy who only linked up with the squad just over a week ago.
He showed his selflessness when he passed the ball off to Jimmy O’Brien to score a try when he was more than capable of scoring it himself, and he played a crucial role instantly when he came on, carrying hard to the line off a tap penalty, which led to Tommy O’Brien’s try.
It’s fair to say that Ioane’s transfer has ruffled some feathers in Ireland, with his relationship with many fans being tempestuous at best after his rivalry with Johnny Sexton, which came out at the release of the latter’s book last year.
Rieko Ioane comes on to replace Garry Ringrose. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
As such, when he came on, Premier Sports commentator Ryle Nugent couldn’t resist the joke and anointed Ioane as ‘Ireland’s favourite rugby son’ with the tongue in cheek of a cheeky boy.
It’s frightening to think of what Leinster could get out of this team if they can get a centre pairing going between Ioane, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jamie Osborne and even Ciarán Frawley.
Leinster’s embarrassment of riches is nothing new, but it still will always make for frightening reading for opposition, and even makes some just laugh at it all.
