Leinster’s emphatic Champions Cup victory in Clermont was shaped by a powerful message of respect as much as by seven tries. In the aftermath of the 48-23 win, Josh van der Flier used his interview to remember South African Lions player Hyron Andrews, whose death cast a shadow over the weekend’s rugby.
The Leinster flanker began by acknowledging his team’s strong result but quickly turned attention to Andrews’ family and the wider South African rugby community. It was a poignant moment during a weekend when Champions Cup matches featured tributes to the late player.
Van der Flier puts rugby result into perspective
Andrews, aged 31, was found unconscious at the Lions’ team hotel in France on Friday, before the South African side’s match against La Rochelle. Emergency services were unable to revive him. An investigation has been opened and an autopsy is due to take place.
The Lions went ahead with their fixture, while a minute’s silence was observed at Champions Cup games in memory of Andrews. Van der Flier’s comments added an Irish perspective to the tributes, underlining the close connections across professional rugby.
“It’s a tough weekend for rugby,” was the clear message from the Leinster forward, who placed his condolences ahead of discussion about the result.
Leinster turn a tight contest into a bonus-point win
The match itself was closely balanced during the opening half at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Clermont competed strongly, but Leinster found another level after the interval and eventually secured a bonus-point victory.
Sam Prendergast provided the spark early in the second half with one of the game’s defining moments. The out-half kicked ahead, Jimmy O’Brien chased and nudged the ball forward again, allowing Prendergast to finish beneath the posts before converting his own try.
That score changed the momentum. Leinster began to stretch Clermont through their kicking, set-piece pressure and attacking accuracy, with Prendergast repeatedly finding space behind the French defence.
- Dan Sheehan scored twice, including Leinster’s first maul try of the season.
- Andrew Porter’s scrum pressure helped produce a penalty try.
- Jack Conan added another score before leaving the field with an injury.
- Leinster finished with seven tries overall.
Prendergast completed a standout performance by kicking four conversions from five attempts as well as a penalty. His control and tactical kicking were central to Leinster’s second-half dominance.
Prendergast continues to make an impression
The young out-half’s display will be one of the main talking points in the latest Ireland rugby discussion. His ability to vary the point of attack, challenge Clermont with kicks and remain composed in a demanding European away game offered another sign of his growing influence.
For Leinster, the result represents an excellent start to their Champions Cup campaign. However, the evening was about more than points and tries. The players’ response to the death of Andrews reflected the sporting respect that exists between teams from Ireland and South Africa.
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What happens next for Leinster?
Leinster will take confidence from the scale of the victory, particularly after pulling away from a competitive Clermont side. Attention now turns to the next Champions Cup challenge, while supporters will also await an update on Conan’s injury.
The result strengthens Leinster’s position early in the European campaign, but Van der Flier’s tribute ensured the human side of the weekend was not lost. In a sport built on competition and contact, his words offered a timely reminder that respect comes first.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
