Leinster's home record remains unblemished, Connacht's courage comes short. An exceptional game of rugby in Dublin saw a defiant home side snatch victory at the death to the dismay of a courageous and committed visitor.
The Interpro derby was undoubtedly the game of the season and Andy Friend's outfit left the RDS with a losing bonus point and the Man of the Match award but that will count for little given the manner of the loss.
Leading the way for Connacht was the peerless Jack Carty. The 26-year-old epitomised his province's free-flowing nature and got them off to a dream start when his wrap-around freed Cian Kelleher after just five minutes. Leinster fired back through Conor O’Brien but Connacht continued to exert huge pressure at the breakdown and were soon back in the lead thanks to a Darragh Leader try.
However, it was Carty's own try that was the highlight after a lovely chip and chase.
"Connacht are on the fire tonight at the RDS!" Jack Carty goes over for Connacht's third try, and Andy Friend's side lead Leinster 19-7 after 35 minutes. #GuinnessPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/mn8Xcr7Bvh
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 22, 2018
Carty was heavily involved again as he set his half-back partner Caolin Blade free before adding a penalty shortly after. 17 points ahead, Connacht were cruising.
"Connacht hit straight back. What a game Caolin Blade is having, what a game Jack Carty is having just outside him. The half-backs have been absolutely exceptional." Connacht lead Leinster 26-12 after 49 minutes thanks to Blade's try. #GuinnessPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/3UOHfWPuLe
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 22, 2018
Jack Carty is having the game of his life! Sensational stuff.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) December 22, 2018
Jack Carty though 🙌🏼 #LEIvCON
— Daragh Small (@daraghs0) December 22, 2018
However, Connacht failed to control the closing ten minutes and it proved costly. First, Sean Cronin got in off the back of a maul before the energetic Dan Leavy also touched down to set up a grandstand finish. After 41 phases, Leinster demonstrated why they are champions with a deadly finish as Andrew Porter applied the devastating blow.
"Leinster win it right at the death, and once again break Connacht's hearts in Dublin!" Andrew Porter drives over from a metre to clinch the win for the defending champions. It ends Leinster 33-29 Connacht at the RDS. #GuinnessPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/p41RX3Opky
— eir Sport (@eirSport) December 22, 2018
Fair play, those Leinster lads just don’t know when they are beaten. Looked dead & buried against an impressive Connacht at the RDS, but forced their way back into it and kept their nerve in a remarkable final play that must have involved close on 100 passes.
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) December 22, 2018
Sensational from Leinster, all those players missing, coming back from that is just phenomenal against a full strength Connacht playing superbly well. I’ve never seen a provincial team like them. Interesting to see how Connacht react to this because they were class here.
— Rob Murphy (@murphyrob) December 22, 2018
It was left to a dishearted Jack Carty to sum it all up. "No words. We've ourselves to blame really." Another derby awaits, as Ulster travel to Galway in just six days. For Leinster, the challenges keep on coming as a trip to Munster is up next.
