Leinster slammed for ‘worst-ever’ performance in sobering defeat at the Stormers

Where did this come from?

Leinster were beaten 35-0 by the Stormers in their URC season opener, in what many are describing as their worst performance in recent memory.

Leinster, who had a squad including 13 internationals, were well beaten in every area in Cape Town, with a torrid second-half showing.

They gave up four tries and received two yellow cards in the second half, having gone into the half only 6-0 down, a sobering start to their title defence.

Leinster captain Luke McGrath said after the match: "Whatever about the result, we're really disappointed with that performance

"We're incredibly frustrated, our discipline was nowhere near good enough, and we're going to have to have a good, hard look at ourselves."

On social media, fans were left wondering whether this was Leinster’s worst-ever professional performance, as the scoreline threatened to break several records.

One said: “It is really hard not to score points in a pro game and for a team like Leinster it is close to impossible.”

Another said: “The worst Leinster performance… ever, maybe.  Certainly in the Professional-era. And disregard any disingenuous “young & inexperienced” team b*******… There was 12 Internationals in their starting XV.”

A third said: “This is probably the worst Leinster I have ever seen it doesn't get any worse than this.”

Leo Cullen’s men now face Bulls on October 4, before hosting Sharks on October 11.