Connacht doggedness not enough as Leinster take interpro spoils

CONNACHT 0 – 10 LEINSTER
 
Connacht produced a brilliant defensive set and excellent physicality across the board, but it wasn’t enough to see off Leinster in tonight’s BKT URC interpro at the Sportsground.
 
Leinster enjoyed the best possible start when they crossed over after just 2 minutes. Off a 10 metre maul from a penalty to the corner, the visitors opted to go down the short-side where Van Der Flier released Cormac Foley to touch down.
 
The remaining opening quarter was played almost entirely in the Connacht half and it was a testament to the hosts’ defence that Leinster remained scoreless for the rest of the half. Connacht grew into the game as the second half wore on and found themselves in excellent scoring positions, but they couldn’t find the final pass to cross the whitewash as the rain poured down.
 
The second half began in much the same fashion as the wind and rain continued to impact proceedings. Both teams often looked to kick high and long to force an error or play for territory, as the game turned into a old-fashioned slogfest.
 
The game was put beyond doubt five minutes when time when Connacht found themselves in the Leinster 22 and with another opportunity to get on the scoreboard. However a Leinster turnover brought the visitors the length of the pitch, and the resulting penalty slotted over by Ciaran Frawley sealed the win for Leinster and meant there was no losing bonus point for the hosts.
 
Next up for Connacht is a third consecutive game under Friday Night Lights as Welsh side the Scarlets pay a visit to the West.

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