Four penalties from Isa Nacewa helped Leinster come from behind and record a hard-fought 30-20 victory over local rivals Connacht.
After a tight first quarter, in which Connacht edged into a 6-3 lead despite having prop Dylan Rogers sinbinned, Leinster grabbed the opening try of the game through towering lock Devin Toner.
After being restored to their full complement though, Connacht worked their way back into the game and scored an excellent try in the 31st minute through number eight Ray Ofisa Treviranus after a looping pass from fly-half Niall O'Connor, who also added the conversion.
Connacht's backs continued to show their ability in the final ten minutes of the first half and were rewarded when winger Brian Tuohy finished off a good move to give them a commanding 20-8 lead at the break.
However, two penalties from the boot of Fijian full-back Isa Nacewa early in the second half put Leinster back in contention before promising fly-half Ian Madigan cut Connacht's lead to just three points with a long-range shot at goal.
With pressure building Luke Fitzgerald then crossed under the posts in the 65th minute, giving Nacewa an easy conversion attempt and meaning Leinster lead for the first time since the opening half hour.
Nacewa slotted another penalty with five minutes remaining to give Leinster a bit more breathing space before Madigan sent over a drop goal in the final seconds to deny Connacht a losing bonus point.
The scorers:
For Leinster:
Tries: Toner, Fitzgerald
Con: Nacewa
Pens: Nacewa 4, Madigan
Drop: Madigan
For Connacht:
Tries: Ofisa, Tuohy
Cons: O'Connor 2
Pens: O'Connor 2
Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Fionn Carr, 13 Eoin O'Malley, 12 Luke Fitzgerald, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Cillian Willis, 8 Leo Auva'a, 7 Rhys Ruddock (c), 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Steven Sykes, 3 Jamie Hagan, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris-Wright, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Jack O'Connell, 19 Damian Browne, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 John Cooney, 22 Brendan Macken, 23 Darren Hudson.
Connacht: 15 Gavin Duffy (C), 14 Mark McCrea, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12 Henry Fa'afili, 11 Brian Tuohy, 10 Niall O'Connor, 9 Frank Murphy, 8 Ray Ofisa, 7 Johnny O'Connor, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4 Michael Swift, 3 Dylan Rogers, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke. 17 Ronan Loughney. 18 Rodney Ah You. 19 Dave Gannon. 20 TJ Anderson. 21 Paul O'Donohoe. 22 Matthew Jarvis. 23 Dave McSharry
Venue: RDS, Dublin
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon
Assistant Referees: John Lacey, Mark Patton
TMO: Dermot Moloney
Comments
crunchfit says...
@ pog_mahone
You sound bitter. Better luck next time.
Posted 14:37 18th October 2011
pog_mahone says...
Get real guys you wouldn't have won except for Peter Fitzgibbon getting nervous in the second half about a home loss. On that performance I'm looking forward to seeing Leinster beaten in the Sportsground (again).
Posted 19:19 11th October 2011
leinster_goy says...
good wins in the last two games at the rds but they can't keep doing these first half slumbers then only pulling their fingers out in the second half.
Posted 19:44 10th October 2011
leinster_damo says...
Yeah great comeback. Pleased to see that this second choice Leinster team have found that winning mentality. There have been quite a few players in these opening 6 games that will be in with a shout once the internationals come back. I am particularly pleased with Madigan's performance and with Berquist out for a few months, he will be a very good option off the bench upon Johnny Sexton's return. Devin Toner has also taken his opportunity very well. Also Leo Auva'a has proved to be a great inclusion in the squad. This squad is going to be very competitive coming into Heineken Cup season in November.... Great to have so many good options now!
Posted 13:56 10th October 2011
adamk says...
Horrible lack luster first half was rescued here by the forwards. Leinster did very well to come away with a win. Just in time to, as the returning internationals will be chomping at the bit to prove themselves.
Posted 18:14 09th October 2011