European Cup: Leinster maintain 100% record

Leinster 28, Newcastle 9 (full-time)

Leinster’s toughest task to date saw them maintain their 100% record in all competitions following their 19 point win over Newcastle in Donnybrook tonight.

It was a physical contest but Leinster’s pack were once more up to the task.

The Newcastle team included Lions fly-half Jonny Wilkinson who kicked seven penalties against Newport last week.

But his attempts to put Leinster on the back foot backfired when his deep kicks into space were promptly returned to the Newcastle 22.

The only try of the first-half came Leinster’s way in first half injury time when they led by just three points.

It was manufactured by former Wallaby fly-half Nathan Spooner and had class written all over it.

Spooner’s quick sidestep enabled him to find a gap inside the Newcastle 22 and his run then took him clear of the visitors cover.

Brian O’Driscoll joined the move before finally releasing winger Gordon D’Arcy into the corner.

That opened up an eight point lead for the home side but the tempo dropped after that with the Leinster passing falling rather flat as the first-half drew to a close.

But they returned refreshed after the interval and extended their lead when Eric Miller went over on the left following a fine team effort.

But Leinster were once more reminded of Wilkinson’s threat with the boot after substantial penalties left just a converted try between the two with just under 15 minutes to go.

But the Falcons were dealt a severe blow when flanker Richard Arnold was sin binned following a high and reckless challenge on Keat Gleeson.

And the game was sealed with five minutes remaining when Leinster were awarded a penalty try after two Newcastle players had ventured offside as Brian O’Meara attempted to make the touchdown from a Leinster put-in straight in front of the posts.

And then to put the icing on the cake, O’ Driscoll went over in spectacular style with seconds to go after Gleeson had intercepted.