Galway witnessed a celebratory atmosphere dampened by a dominant performance from Leinster, who defeated Connacht 34-23 at the grand opening of the newly improved Dexcom Stadium on January 24, 2026. The win extends Leo Cullen’s side’s winning streak to 10 games across all competitions.
Leinster Maintain Momentum, But Victory Comes at a Cost
While the match showcased a thrilling back-and-forth contest, particularly in the first half, Leinster ultimately proved too strong for Connacht. The sides were level four times – at 7-7, 10-10, 13-13, and 20-20 – before Leinster pulled ahead with tries from Charlie Tector and Ciarán Frawley, securing a crucial bonus point in the process.
However, Leinster’s victory was tempered by a significant injury to Jack Boyle, who was carted off the field with a lower leg injury just 20 minutes into the game. Boyle, an expected starter for Ireland’s opening Six Nations match in Paris, is now considered unlikely to be available.
A Game of Kicking Prowess and Defensive Battles
The match was characterized by impressive kicking accuracy, with Harry Byrne and Sam Gilbert combining for a perfect 11 kicks from 11 attempts. Connacht’s Sean Jansen impressed with his defensive work, including a key tackle on Leinster’s Gus McCarthy, while Leinster’s Fintan Gunne and RG Snyman were among the try scorers for the visitors. Dylan Tierney-Martin and Harry West scored tries for Connacht.
Despite a spirited performance, Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht side ultimately fell short, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat in the United Rugby Championship. The home side’s early intent was evident, but lost lineouts and Leinster’s early pressure set the tone for the match.
Looking Ahead
Leinster will likely focus on managing Boyle’s recovery and assessing potential replacements as they prepare for the Six Nations. A further assessment of his injury will be crucial. Connacht, meanwhile, will need to address their recent losing streak and work to secure a Champions Cup place in the second half of the season. They could focus on improving lineout accuracy and capitalizing on opportunities in the final quarter of matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was Connacht 23, Leinster 34.
Who scored the tries for Leinster?
Fintan Gunne, RG Snyman, Charlie Tector, and Ciarán Frawley scored the tries for Leinster.
What impact could Jack Boyle’s injury have on Ireland’s Six Nations campaign?
Jack Boyle’s injury is a significant blow to Ireland, as he was an expected starter for their opening game. His absence could force a reshuffle of the front row and potentially impact the team’s overall performance.
Given the competitive nature of the Interpro series and the looming Six Nations tournament, how important are these matches for gauging player form and potential team selections?
