Hooker Riley makes his case for more game time with Quins

By JOHN FALLON

Leinster …………40pts

Harlequins……..21pts

Talent: Sam Riley

PROMISING hooker Sam Riley is hoping he can build on scoring his first try for Quins and get plenty of game-time in the Gallagher Premiership this season.

Riley took his superb form for England U20s into Friday night’s final pre-season warm-up game against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in a battle of the champions.

PRO14 title holders Leinster, with Johnny Sexton back for his first game since a head injury in April, prevailed against the Gallagher Premiership champions in a good workout for both sides in Dublin and if you’re thinking of backing either this season check out bet365 sign up offers for 2021.

Riley said he knows what’s demanded of them having come through the Quins academy and he’s looking forward to the new season.

“We know what the Quins brand of rugby is, it’s throwing the ball around, enjoying yourself, and I think the lads did that.

“It’s great, I’m really enjoying it,” said the 20- year old, set to do battle with Jack Walker, Joe Gray and George Head for the hooker position at Quins this season.

“The competition is huge,” he added. “We all push each other each week to get better but I’ll grab what I can get at the moment and take each week as it comes.”

Leinster, who begin their URC campaign on Saturday week against the Bulls, bossed matters in the opening half and led 28-7 at the break, making the most of a yellow card to centre Andrew Ester- huizen to build on Conor O’Brien’s early score with tries from Scott Penny, Sexton and Jamie Osborne.

Quins, whose opening try came from centre Luke Northmore, hit back with a try from Joe Marchant after Ryan Baird extended Leinster’s lead, and then Riley spotted a gap and pulled off the back of a maul to rush in for the score.

“I was kind of lucky. It was a great maul attack,” said Riley.

“I saw a little gap and just went for it. I didn’t have to do too much, the lads did the most of it.”

Quins, who open the defence of their Premiership title away to Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, conceded a sixth try in the closing stages to Liam Turner as Leinster ran out impressive winners and head coach Leo Cullen was thrilled to have Sexton back in action.

“It’s been a decent layoff for him now so he’s nice and fresh, which is good.

“It was like a little bit of a sabbatical for him, so it could add a bit more time to his career, which would be great.”