Zane Kirchner
Zane Kirchener’s late try at the RDS Arena made sure Leinster got revenge for their early season defeat to Connacht with a 21/11 win in the Guinness PRO12 last night.
Leinster – who were beaten 10-9 at the Sportsground on the opening day of the season – were in control from the off but struggled to kill off a spirited Connacht side who made the home team sweat.
The hosts went into the final stages ahead but a late try from George Naoupu moved the visitors to within three points, setting up a nervy finish.
But Kirchner showed quick thinking to steal in and dot down with moments left to ensure Leinster picked up their sixth win of the season.
pro12rugby
Leinster probed early and almost had a try over in the right-hand corner on six minutes as the home side swung the ball wide but Luke Fitzgerald was stopped just short of the line.
The Guinness PRO12 champions won a penalty moments later but they opted against the kick and signalled their intent by going for the corner.
The visitors were down to 14 soon after as Aly Muldowney saw yellow but Leinster were struggling to capitalise on their dominance as Pat Lam’s men were resolute in defence.
Despite their best efforts the visitors were undone on 12 minutes when Leinster forced their way over, Shane Jennings getting the score with Jimmy Gopperth wide with the conversion.
Gopperth however was on target shortly after when he kicked a simple penalty to give Leinster an 8-0 lead.
It was a kick that woke Connacht from their sluggish start as they went in search of their first points of the night.
They were given that chance on 23 minutes but it was squandered as Jack Carty’s penalty flew wide but he made amends on 30 minutes as Connacht got on the scoreboard.
With five minutes to go in the half Connacht picked up a penalty inside the Leinster 22 and they opted against a simple three points in favour of a game-tying try.
And they came agonisingly close when Danie Poolman was all alone on the right-hand side and picked up a cross-field kick in the corner, only for his right foot to just be in touch as he dotted down.
Leinster went down to 14 shortly after and this time the visitors took the points to go in at the half 8-6 down.
Gopperth was again on target immediately after the restart kicking from just inside the Connacht half to restore the five-point gap.
And Gopperth was on the board again after 50 minutes as Leinster stretched their lead to eight with little sign that Connacht would mount a comeback.
The hosts were holding firm and allowing Connacht very little time in their 22 as they pressed forward and looked to kill the game off.
A Leinster scrum five yards out signalled trouble for the visitors but they couldn’t take advantage and were struggling to kill off the tie.
It looked like they were going to rue their missed opportunities on 73 minutes when Naoupu barged over and got his side to within a penalty – Carty however was unable to convert.
But as Connacht went in search of the winner Leinster got the score to kill the game off – Kirchner capitalised on sloppy play and Gopperth was as reliable as ever with the boot.