The win gives Leinster their sixth victory from six games played this season. They did, however, fail to collect a four-try bonus point for the first time this season.

In the first half, the Lions took a 6-3 lead in the first quarter with two penalties from flyhalf Kade Wolhuter. That would turn out to be the only points the Lions could muster for the whole game. 

Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier crossed the whitewash on the half-hour mark and flyhalf Sam Prendergast kicked the extras to take the hosts into halftime with a 10-6 lead.

Conditions only worsened in the second half, which did not make for attractive rugby. The first points of the second half were only scored on the hour mark and came courtesy of a try by number 8 Caelan Dorris, which was converted by Sam Prendergast. 

The night ended on a spectacular low point for the Lions when Leinster was awarded a penalty try for having their maul illegally stopped when driving over the line.

The Lions will have to start the next phase of the URC abroad again and will return to Ireland to face Munster on 30 November. Following their defeat, they have moved to fourth place on the table, behind the Bulls, on 18 points.  

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger cg