European Rugby Champions Cup: Ian Madigan earns praise after booting Leinster to victory
Sunday 26 October 2014 17:38, UK
Leinster lock Devin Toner heaped praise on team-mate Ian Madigan after the centre kicked the Pro12 side to victory over Top 14 opponents Castres in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Castres raced into a 7-0 lead after six minutes but Madigan ensured Leinster went into the dressing room at half-time 9-7 up.
The home side then went back ahead as they opened up a 16-9 lead midway through the second half but Madigan nailed four further penalties to seal a 21-16 victory at Stade Pierre Antoine and maintain their perfect start in Pool Two.
"Having the confidence in your team-mates and your squad is really important," said Toner. "We know that when we get into their half and win a penalty, we have confidence in him (Madigan) to slot it over.
"When you get into your opponents' half, you're looking to break the gain line or win a penalty - and that's what happened today."
Toner was also delighted with the resilience in the team, adding: "It was hard around the breakdown. Castres are obviously a massive squad. They love trucking it up, but I think we did well to suffocate them and build pressure and get over the gain line.
"We're really confident with the squad we have. Obviously, we've had a lot of injuries early in the season but I don't want to use that as an excuse.
Talented
"We have a talented squad, and talented young lads coming through who are all taking their chances."
Scrum-half Isaac Boss was also delighted with the display by Madigan, saying: "Mads did very well. We probably gave them a few too many kickable penalties, but they probably won't be happy they gave us a few too many kickable penalties.
"When it's on a knife-edge, three points makes all the difference. He's playing very well and took his chances well."
Leinster are back in action at the RDS on Friday when they face Edinburgh in the Pro12 and Boss, while pleased with the latest victory to maintain their perfect start in Europe, is up for the challenge ahead.
He said: "We're happy with where we are at the moment. We're happy to be in the position we are.
"But, in professional rugby you've got to move quickly - especially this week."
