Four tries for Sheehan as Leinster cruise past Benetton

Given the strength of their starting line-up, it would have been hard to expect anything less that a bonus-point win for Leinster in their first home game of the BTK United Rugby Championship.

And from the moment Dan Sheehan touched down from the back of a maul on six minutes, it never seemed in doubt, as they eased past Benetton 42-10.

Sheehan scored 10 tries last season, and he's already nearly halfway towards reaching that total, after a phenomenal four-try showing, three of which came off the back of dominant rolling mauls.

The 24-year-old has amassed a remarkable try-scoring rate in Leinster colours, his four scores tonight bringing him up to 20 for the province in just 30 games.

And while his tries grabbed the headlines, he'd have had stiff competition for Player of the Match.

Munster fans could be forgiven if they grimaced their way through the game, such was the impact of Jason Jenkins [below]. The South African lock's sole season in Limerick was plagued by injury, and his performance tonight highlighted the very reason Johann van Graan brought him to Ireland last year.

Stolen lineouts, hard carries, heavy tackles, and an engine that saw him popping up on the shoulders of players in space, the Springbok was everywhere on his home debut.

All eyes were on Ciarán Frawley as he started a rare Leinster game at out-half, and the versatile midfielder looked comfortable in the role, aided by an excellent Robbie Henshaw, who slotted in at first receiver off many set-plays.

Frawley's night ended early on 44 minutes, a first-half shoulder knock seeing him withdrawn early in the second half as a precaution, while it was also concerning to see Caelan Doris depart the game early for a HIA, from which he never returned.

Leading 21-3 at