Leinster Fight Back to Beat Ulster 24-20 at Aviva Stadium

United Rugby Championship — Aviva Stadium

Leinster staged a late comeback to overcome Ulster 24-20 in Dublin, securing the opening festive interprovincial derby. The home side leaned on a strong bench to edge ahead in the final minutes.

How the match unfolded

Ulster started with intent, crossing twice through Werner Kok and adding a third try from Tom Stewart, with Doak converting one and adding a penalty as they led at the break.

Leinster struck back after half-time as Kenny crossed in the corner and Lowe added another, cutting the gap to three points.

Dan Sheehan then finished a decisive drive from a maul with five minutes remaining to seal the win for Leinster.

Discipline and momentum

Leinster brought on a heavy bench to shift the tempo and gain territory, while Ulster pressed to maintain their lead with a blitz defence.

James Ryan was yellow-carded, briefly reducing Leinster to 14 men, and Doak added a penalty during that spell. Ulster were reduced to 14 late on when David McCann received a yellow for a deliberate knock-on, sealing the visitors' fate.

Team selections

• Ulster: Stockdale; Baloucoune, Postlethwaite, McCloskey, Kok; Murphy, Doak; Bell, Stewart, O'Toole, Sheridan, Irvine, McCann, Timoney (capt), Augustus. Replacements: Andrew, Crean, Wilson, Hopes, Ward, McKee, Flannery, McIlroy. Yellow card: McCann
• Leinster: Frawley; Kenny, Ioane, Tector, Lowe; Prendergast, McGrath; Boyle, G McCarthy, Slimani, Deeny, Ryan, Soroka, Penny, Conan (capt). Replacements: Sheehan, P McCarthy, Furlong, J McCarthy, Deegan, Gunne, Byrne, Moloney. Yellow card: Ryan

What’s next

Leinster travel to Thomond Park on 27 December to face Munster, while Ulster head to Connacht on the same day.

Expert comment

Expert comment: Leinster's depth off the bench proved decisive, turning pressure into points, while Ulster's discipline let them down late in the game.

Short summary

Leinster overcame a ten-point half-time deficit to seal a 24-20 URC victory over Ulster at the Aviva Stadium. The match swung on late substitutions and finishing power from Leinster's forwards. Both teams now sit with four wins apiece as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Key insight: Leinster's superior depth and finish from their forwards swung a tight derby in Dublin. BBC Sport

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