Winger Rory O’Loughlin scored two tries as Leinster moved ahead of Ospreys into second in the Guinness PRO12 after a comfortable 22-7 victory over Ulster Rugby at the RDS. Leinster are just a single point behind Munster after failing to secure a try bonus point with Jack McGrath receiving a yellow card midway through the second half. But O’Loughlin crossed twice, with Luke McGrath also getting his name on the scoresheet, as Leinster put in a significantly improve display from their Boxing Day defeat to Munster. Charles Piutau added a late consolation try for Ulster who dominated possession for most of the second period but struggled to break down the Leinster defence. Pienaar, starting at fly-half rather than his usual scrum-half, missed a long-range penalty attempt three minutes in and Leinster took full advantage. O’Loughlin broke through the middle of the Ulster defensive line on six minutes after the ball was released off the top of the line-out ball on half-way and raced in the corner. Isa Nacewa converted well to give the hosts a 7-0 advantage inside the opening ten minutes before Pienaar again missed a second kick at goal. And the Leinster skipper was on target again into the wind as he stretched the lead to ten points with a successful penalty after Ulster were penalised for a high tackle. Winger Tommy Bowe almost got Ulster’s first points straight from the restart as Leinster failed to gather but the ball slipped from his grasps and the chance went begging. Leinster had their second try with six minutes to play of the first half after an extremely inventinve line-out move on the edge of the Ulster 22. Prop Jack McGrath received the line-out before feeding scrum-half Luke McGrath who raced through unopposed to extend the home side’s advantage at the RDS. Nacewa was once again on target with his boot as he made the score 17-0 much to the delight of the majority of the sold out RDS crowd. Leinster had their third try just four minutes into the second half as Ross Byrne put in a inch-perfect grubber kick behind Ulster and man 0f the match O’Loughlin collected and touched down for his second. Ulster ramped up the pressure as they looked for a way back into the game and Leinster prop Jack McGrath was shown a yellow card by referee John Lacey for an infringement at the ruck. But a loose pass from the resulting scrum was hacked clear by Nacewa and the visitors found themselves back inside their own half of the field. Piutau finally got Ulster off the mark after taking a fine inside ball from Pienaar with three minutes remaining with the try converted by the scrum-half. Guinness PRO12 Final 2017 Ticket Information: Fans can save up to 20% on selected tickets, and prices start at just €30 adults and €5 child, and be booked via www.ticketmaster.ie. For further information visit http://www.pro12rugby.com/final
