BERNE IN FORM AS LEINSTER BEAT NICE.

Byline: EMMETT CASSIDY

LEINSTER opened their pre-season campaign with an 38-10 victory over Rugby Nice Cote d'Azur in the Stade des Arboras last night.

Shaun Berne capped a fine display with his first try in Leinster colours, while five other tries were scored in a commanding all-round display from the European champions.

The hosts, who included former Leinster back Mark McHugh in their line-up, started strongly and though they scored first through a fifth minute penalty, Leinster soon gained an advantage.

Winger Simon Keogh scored a try seven minutes later to go ahead after good work from centre Isa Nacewa.

Leinster piled on the pressure with Malcolm O'Kelly putting in an excellent shift in an overall dominant pack effort and on 24 minutes Kevin McLaughlin showed strength to score his side's second try, which Nacewa converted, to push Leinster 12-3 ahead.

Debutant Berne scored a deserved try four minutes later to give the Irish side a 17-3 half-time lead.

Leinster continued where they left off in the second half and sub scrum-half Chris Keane pounced in the 45th minute, which Nacewa again converted, to push the lead to 21 points.

The hosts who temporarily rallied with a converted try on 52 minutes, but Leinster soon regained the momentum with a well-worked try from Nacewa on the hour mark.

Berne converted this time, to give Leinster a 31-10 lead.

New Zealand trialist Billy Ngawini showed good footwork and pace to touch down after 65 minutes, with Berne again adding the points as Leinster turned the knife in warm conditions on the south-east coast of France.

A number of the Leinster Academy players impressed, with Brendan Macken unfortunate to see his first half try disallowed.

LEINSTER continue their pre-season preparations on Friday next, 28th August, when they welcome London Irish to Donnybrook (KO: 7pm). Terrace tickets are on sale now at www.leinsterrugby.ie

CAPTION(S):

FORM Niall Morris breaks the Nice tackle