Six tries see Leinster overcome Ospreys

FT: Neath-Swansea Ospreys 25 Leinster 36

Brian O’Driscoll cut down the Neath-Swansea Ospreys with a try double as Leinster surged to a Celtic League win at The Gnoll.

The 46-cap centre was at his inspirational best as Leinster out-scored their hosts 6-1 on touchdowns.

O’Driscoll claimed his first score on 14 minutes when he chipped over the defence, stepped on the accelerator and reached the loose ball first.

As the Ospreys struggled to hold their defensive line after the break, O’Driscoll flashed through to score unopposed.

The Ospreys managed a consolation try through hooker Hugh Bennett in the dying minutes, but it was too little too late.

They relied on full-back Gavin Henson to keep them in the contest and he responded with five penalties and a conversion.

But it was Leinster’s night. They hit back from being 9-7 down at the break to run in five tries in 24 minutes to leave the Ospreys reeling.

Gordon D’Arcy went over twice, Christian Warner crossed and John McQueenie touched down as the home side’s tackling fell apart.

For the Ospreys, Shane Williams put in several side-stepping runs and skipper Gareth Llewellyn showed up well around the field, but Leinster were too strong.