Cheika unimpressed by lacklustre Leinster

LEINSTER signed off on their magnificent 2009 with a positive result on St Stephens’ Day, but judging by their muted reaction this win over an understrength Ulster won’t last too long on the showreel.

Tries from Rob Kearney and Jamie Heaslip either side of half-time saw them keep Brian McLaughlin’s depleted side at arm’s length.

Ulster were gutsy but the decision by their coach to invoke the IRFU player management strategy meant that this interpro was shorn of its edge, with no chance for Paddy Wallace, Stephen Ferris, Andrew Trimble and Tom Court to take part.