Leinster beat Sharks 31-5 for first URC win of the season

Leinster secured their first United Rugby Championship win of the season with a 31-5 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, overturning a difficult start to the campaign that had seen them lose twice in South Africa. The Dublin side scored five tries through Jamie Osborne, Jimmy O’Brien, Josh van der Flier, Max Deegan and Gus McCarthy, with Harry Byrne converting three, while Ethan Hooker crossed for the Sharks’ only score in front of 17,549 spectators.

Leo Cullen’s side returned to a more familiar look after bringing back a large contingent of British and Irish Lions. Josh van der Flier captained Leinster for the first time and was influential in the loose, while Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher, James Lowe and Jamie Osborne all made their first appearances of the season. Former Ireland Sevens player Joshua Kenny was named among the replacements and could make his provincial debut from the bench.

Leinster struck early. James Lowe’s grubber created the opening score that Osborne finished in the 10th minute, and O’Brien added a second try five minutes later from a slick set piece. Van der Flier crossed moments after to give the hosts a 21-0 lead at...