Andrew Goodman: Garry Ringrose backing up words with actions

Andrew Goodman said Garry Ringrose is "backing up his words with actions" after the Leinster centre produced yet another match-winning performance against Ulster.

Stand-in skipper Ringrose scored two brilliant tries in five second-half minutes on Saturday as 14-man Leinster rallied from 19 points down to maintain their 100% start to the season.

Goodman played alongside Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy during his Leinster playing days so he knows a thing or two about world-class centre play. The New Zealander has been blown away by Ringrose’s performances this season, but especially his leadership.

The Leinster attack coach said: "I talked to a number of boys after that performance and the way he got them together post [Cian Healy’s] red card and his leadership at half-time in getting the boys up for the challenge.

"To back his words up with actions - his footwork and ability to see space and to finish those two tries were pretty amazing.

"A great player on both sides of the ball. He’s great to have around the environment and is growing as a leader week-in week-out. He’s backing up his words with great performances."

The stunning comeback against Ulster made it nine wins from nine for Leinster this season. Despite rotating and blooding players, they have shown remarkable consistency, which has led to fierce competition for places ahead of Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup opener against Racing 92 in Le Havre.

"We've used a lot of squad members this year and the satisfying thing is there’s great competition in the squad," said Goodman.

"Heading into our first European game, there’s going to be some really tough calls around selection. Naturally a few boys will be hurting but the thing about this squad is they’ll knuckle down and