Leinster rule as provincial derby kings

Leinster 13 Connacht 0: Leinster may be alone among the provinces in having their European ambitions sundered before Christmas, but they have emerged from the festive season as undisputed top dogs on the island after last night’s gritty defeat of Connacht.

With Munster undone in Limerick the week before, and Ulster bettered in the RDS in late November, Leo Cullen’s side has found considerable succour in these derby days that have helped to elevate them into second spot in the Guinness PRO12.

This latest win was their sixth on the trot in the league.