JAMES LOWE’S 5 GREATEST LEINSTER TRIES AS RECORD BECKONS
There’s a good argument to make that Leinster’s signing of James Lowe has been the greatest ever in Irish rugby.
From coming in as an All-Black reject in 2017, Lowe has been a juggernaut for Leinster and Irish rugby, becoming possibly the best number 11 in Ireland’s history. His ability, coupled with his infectious energy and personality, has made him one of the most loved and loathed players, depending on which province you support.
And now, Lowe is on the cusp of equalling Shane Horgan’s all-time try record for Leinster, which stands at 69 tries, and there aren’t many Leinster players more deserving of the record than Lowe, who’s been a great servant to the province. With all that, it’s only right to have a look back at 5 of his best tries in blue.
5. Try #14 (Leinster 30-22 Munster, October 6 2018)
The quintessential James Lowe try. The New Zealand-born winger came into Leinster like a house on fire, scoring 10 tries in his first season in Dublin, despite only playing 13 games after joining the side in November. What has made Lowe stand out over his career is his quality as a finisher. If you’re less than 5 metres out and you need someone to dive in the corner, Lowe is your man.
4. Try #37 (Leinster 29-7 Ospreys, February 19 2022)
James Lowe has rarely come off the bench in his time at Leinster, but in his two appearances off the bench, he scored on both occasions (he’s been named on the bench three times, but only came on twice), and this try showed off the speed we don’t always get to see from the uber-physical Lowe as he ran it in from his own 22, stepping past one defender en route.
3. Try #13 (Leinster 30-22 Munster, October 6 2018)
It’s crazy to see that the two most James Lowe tries ever were scored in the same match. This was his first of seven tries he’s scored against Munster so far for Leinster, and while this one does look similar to his second try of the match, look at the number of players trying to haul him down.
Lowe can soak the hits from Alby Matthewson, Niall Scannell and an on-rushing CJ Stander and is still able to keep the ball free in one hand to smash down. There truly hasn’t been a finisher like James Lowe in Irish rugby.
2. Try #15 (Leinster 52-3 Wasps, October 12 2018)
This try really announced Lowe on the European stage. He was heartbroken to have missed out on Leinster’s triumph in Bilbao in 2018. He had played his part in the run, scoring in the quarter-final against Scarlets, but due to Lowe being a ‘non-European’ player at the time, he was dropped as Leo Cullen went for Isa Nacewa and Scott Fardy as his two non-Euros for the final.
That meant next season Lowe was raring to go, and his first try in the competition that season came off a beautiful lineout move, but he still had an awful lot to do before scoring. He earned himself player of the match that night and truly etched himself into Leinster cult hero status.
1. Try #59 (Leinster 43-20 Ulster, June 8 2024)
We’d be surprised if you see a better try today than James Lowe’s score here against Ulster. Lowe’s greatest asset has been his kicking and footballing ability, and his touch looks like something you’d see out of the famous La Masia academy in Barcelona.
A huge Manchester City fan, it’s clear to see the football influence, or just the natural footballing ability Lowe has. Not many footballers would be able to control the ball as Lowe does here. A one of a kind.