Leinster secured a controversial one-point victory at Rodney Parade on Friday, ending the Dragons’ home record in the process.

Ceri Sweeney opened the scoring with a penalty, and home hooker Steve Jones grabbed the first try after 15 minutes. But Leinster turned up the pressure before the break and were rewarded when Brian Blaney went over from close range.

Blaney later spent 10 minutes in the sin bin, time in which Adam Black crossed for the Dragons.

The Dragons suffered two such set-backs in the second half when Sweeney and Ian Gough were both sent to the sidelines.

Felipe Contepomi, who had missed a first-minute penalty, kicked Leinster into the lead before Chris Whitaker extended the visitors’ advantage with a try.

Black scored his second near the end but the Dragons could not get that final score they needed.