Sam Prendergast made huge change to his game in Leinster's win over Ulster
Leinster put in their most complete performance of the season as a dominant 50 minutes saw them do enough to beat Ulster 29-21.
Despite coming into the game off the back of making their fifth-consecutive Champions Cup semi-final, Leinster were the underdogs as they’ve flattered to deceive for much of the season.
However, Leo Cullen’s side turned back the clocks and put in a barnstorming display we were used to seeing in previous seasons in the Affidea Stadium.
Jimmy O’Brien dives over to score. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
James Culhane and Jimmy O’Brien scored first-half tries as Leinster stormed into the lead, while also suffocating Ulster’s attack at every opportunity. Richie Murphy’s side were uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball in hand, and Leinster’s rush defence took advantage of that to the fullest.
Then further tries to start the second half from Robbie Henshaw and Sam Prendergast saw the visitors 29-0 up and cruising to an easy win. However, Ulster brought on Bryn Ward, and he and his brother Zac took over the game.
Bryn scored a try to get Ulster back into the game before Max Deegan was given a 20-minute red card for a collision with a jumping Werner Kok, which ended in the South African narrowly avoiding a serious neck injury.
Zac Ward of Ulster scores. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Then Zac scored two in the space of three minutes, as with just over 15 minutes to go, Ulster were just eight points behind. However, the reigning URC Champions were able to halt the momentum and hold out for a memorable win.
And while the bonus point will play a key role in Leinster’s hopes of a home playoff route, the score that arguably sealed the game was Sam Prendergast’s first-half penalty, which saw his side still be two scores ahead in the closing moments.
It was a solid kick from the right-hand side after Leinster had won one of many scrum penalties. However, commentators and eagle-eyed viewers noticed that Prendergast changed his kicking setup drastically, using a taller ‘telescopic tee.’
Sam Prendergast kicking with a taller white telescopic tee. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Prendergast had been using a low tee beforehand, and while he started his career as a solid kicker, this season his kicking percentage dropped drastically, sitting around the high 60s/low 70s per cent for both Leinster and Ireland.
The change of tee obviously worked as he went four from five from the tee in Belfast, and former Leinster and Ireland fly-half Ian Madigan explained that with Prendergast’s tall and long legs, the taller tee may suit his leg-swing, allowing him for a better follow-through.
His performance off the tee, try, and all-around game management was hugely impressive from Prendergast, earning him the player of the match award, silencing any doubts around his confidence and decline in form.
