In Pics: Leinster 62 Borders 14

Pictured above: Leinster’s Puma king, Felipe Contepomi had another stellar night on Friday, but the Argentinian had more reasons than most to celebrate the province’s nine-try victory. His wife Paula gave birth on Friday morning to the couple’s new daughter Catalina. Contepomi topped off a memorable day by scoring a try and kicking seven conversions and a penalty against the Scots for a personal haul of 22 points.

Leinster scrum half Guy Easterby, who claimed the man of the match award, was just one of a half dozen Leinster players who felt they had a point to prove to Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan on Friday night. During the week, Easterby, Denis Hickie, Reggie Corrigan, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney were all omitted from the Ireland squad for next Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Italy.

Keith Gleeson avoids the grasp of Borders centre Ben MacDougall at Donnybrook.

Leinster hooker Brian Blaney, with Emmett Byrne in support, tries to set up an attack for Michael Cheika’s side.

Borders scrum half Brendan McKerchar, who put in a lively performance and sent in winger Nikki Walker for a try on 22 minutes, is seen here releasing from the back of a ruck.

Felipe Contepomi, the wizard behind much of Leinster’s spell-binding backline play so far this season, broke through the 400-point barrier in the province’s colours on Friday night. Contepomi is both the current top scorer in the Celtic League (177 points in 11 games) and Heineken Cup (104 points in 6 games).

Ben MacDougall takes a high ball with Leinster flanker Eric Miller in close attendance.

**All photos by Billy Stickland of Inpho Photography**