Ulster defeat highlights nature of job ahead for Leinster

Leinster's Ryan Baird dejected.

There was a familiar scent to Leinster’s loss to Ulster on New Year’s Day earlier this week. Go back 36 months and they were suffering the same January blues after an Irish out-half’s boot proved pivotal in raiding the RDS.

For Jack Carty’s 25 points in Connacht’s win at the start of 2021 we can echo Billy Burns’ kicking masterclass from the hand last Monday as Ulster managed a second win in three attempts at the historic Ballsbridge venue.