Leinster get a timely lift at RDS

Leinster have long become accustomed to laying bare the claims of pretenders at the RDS, but last night’s defeat of the previously unbeaten Guinness Pro12 leaders felt like a significant victory for a side still finding its feet under new coach Leo Cullen.

And for Connacht, too, who swept to the top of the table as a result.

The three-time European champions had misplaced their ability to eke out this type of win last season under Matt O’Connor, but they recovered from a slow start to boss this game the longer it went on and it will stand to them as they turn their attention to Europe next week.