Leinster earned derby-day bragging rights with a hard-fought win away at Ulster to leapfrog them into second place in Conference B. Tries from Jordan Larmour and Luke McGrath proved crucial for the visitors, who continue to build momentum following a superb European break and they will be full of confidence ahead of Friday night’s crucial trip to Glasgow Warriors. Ulster fall to their second defeat in three matches following a surprise loss to Zebre last month, although they can take heart from the battling display. Aaron Cairns impressed on his debut at scrum half, while hooker Rory Best made his first start of the season to bolster Ulster’s pack. However, Leinster hit the front after just seven minutes when Larmour scampered down the wing to score a memorable try. Ulster increased the pressure, dominating territory and possession but Leinster’s defence – marshalled by the superb Devin Toner – kept them at bay. A pair of Ross Byrne penalties put Leinster ahead by three points at the break with Australian Christian Lealiifano kicking one for the home side. And Ulster sensed a change in the wind 15 minutes into the second half when Dave Kearney was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on. However, Leinster struck a fatal blow to Ulster’s chances by extending their lead beyond a single score with a crucial try. An Ulster knock-on was capitalised on and Luke McGrath crossed just three minutes after Kearney’s yellow with a dart in the corner. Ulster upped the tempo, pinning Leinster back inside their own half as they searched for a way back into the game. But it was again Leinster that almost scored when Jordi Murphy latched onto the end of an overthrown line-out ten metres out. Ulster’s charge fizzled out in the final ten minutes and Leinster finished things off as McGrath crashed over for his second of the match. That secured the win, the first for an away side in this fixture in nine attempts and the first for the Dublin-side in Belfast since 2014. Guinness PRO14 Final 2018 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 for adults and €5 for children, and can be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie
