Leinster ease past Ulster
Ulster's recent run of good form was ended as Leinster leapfrogged them in the Magners League table with a 30-23 victory.
Last Updated: 27/12/10 7:17pm
Ulster suffered their first defeat in four matches as Leinster leapfrogged them in the Magners League table with a 30-13 victory at Ravenhill.
Former Ulster scrum-half Isaac Boss starred for the visitors, creating two tries for man of the match Sean O'Brien while Shane Horgan added a third score in the second half.
The absence of nine regulars failed to halt the Leinster charge as full-back Isa Nacewa also contributed 15 points with the boot and assisted Horgan's try.
Ulster were also missing players due to a combination of injuries and Ireland's player management scheme and, but could not deal with Leinster's speed and power.
In windy conditions, the hosts opted to pick and drive early on but almost instantly came unstuck as Robbie Diack was penalised for holding on, but Nacewa sent his penalty attempt wide.
But Leinster were on the board after just seven minutes as Boss broke through some weak Ulster tackles before making the chance for O'Brien, who touched down under the posts.
Nacewa added the easy extras and four minutes later, Leinster scored a copycat try with Boss drawing BJ Botha before sending O'Brien barrelling through again to once more dot down beneath the posts.
Penalty
Ulster managed to reduce the gap with a penalty from Niall O'Connor after Mike Ross was punished at a scrum after some good approach play from Johann Muller.
But Ulster did not show many signs of a revival and the 14-point gap was re-established in the 27th minute through Nacewa's first penalty.
O'Connor then slotted his second penalty through after the visitors were penalised under their own posts following a rare Ulster surge courtesy of Nevin Spence and Craig Gilroy.
But Leinster continued to pile on the pressure and another Nacewa penalty put them 20-6 up at the half-time break.
There was no let-up after the interval as Nacewa landed another penalty after an Ulster midfield move was snuffed out.
The visitors kept coming and following a number of drives towards the Ulster try-line, the ball was moved with Brian O'Driscoll helping it on its way before Nacewa provided the assist for Horgan to power his way over in the corner.
Nacewa converted from the touchline and at 30-6 the result was beyond doubt. Winger Craig Gilroy's managed to score a late consolation try, with O'Connor converting.
