Leinster 19-16 Ospreys
Leinster secured a priceless win against the Ospreys as they kept the pressure on league leaders Connacht in the business end of the Pro12 table.
In a tense affair at the RDS, Leinster raced into the lead when Ian Madigan cut a hole in the Welsh sides defence and offloaded to the supporting Fergus McFadden.
The versatile wing ran a good support line and created a two-on-one with openside Dan Leavy finally touching down for a well worked score.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ben Te'o having a stormer in the midfield today. He's been very influential <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEINvOSP?src=hash">#LEINvOSP</a></p>— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewstalkSport/status/706153865964605441">March 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That try came largely against the run of play as Ospreys were on the front foot for much of the opening exchanges and lead thanks to a Sam Davies penalty, but Leinster seized the momentum shift with both hands as they soon opened up a 13 point lead thanks to the boot of Madigan.
The second half proved a tighter affair, with Ospreys controlling much of the ball but they struggled to break down a well drilled Leinster defence.
Davies tacked on another penalty before a hole finally appeared in the blue wall, with Ospreys Number 8 Dan Baker running in under the posts after sustained pressure.
Davies converted to make it a three point game, but that was as close as the visitors got with both sides exchanging late penalties.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GUINNESSPRO12?src=hash">#GUINNESSPRO12</a> Man of the Match is <a href="https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby">@leinsterrugby</a>'s Ben Te'o presented by Joe O'Reilly of Guinness. <a href="https://t.co/sJ6nZvzKtY">pic.twitter.com/sJ6nZvzKtY</a></p>— PRO12RUGBY (@PRO12rugby) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRO12rugby/status/706168148341485568">March 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The result leaves Leinster in second and two points behind Connacht with a game in hand.
Munster 19-5 Dragons
Elsewhere, Dave Kilcoyne kept up his fine try scoring form by burrowing over for two tries in Munster's bonus point victory against perennial Welsh strugglers Newport Gwent Dragons.
First half tries from the loosehead prop and inside centre Rory Scannell had Munster cruising 12-0 at the break against the visitors.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Kilcoyne strikes for his fourth try in three matches to help Munster into commanding 19-0 lead v Dragons at Thomond Park. 44 gone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SUAF?src=hash">#SUAF</a></p>— Colm Kinsella (@ckSportLeader) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckSportLeader/status/706217013258149888">March 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Dragons had their fair share of possession and territory in an ugly encounter in Limerick, but found themselves conceding a third try when Kilcoyne crossed for his second after numerous phases attacking the line.
However, the fighting spirit failed to desert the Welsh side as they came roaring back for a try of their own through left wing Hallam Amos, but hopes of a comeback would be misguided.
Munster fans expecting a bonus point victory were made to sweat as the home side left it late to secure a crucial fifth point that will go a long way in their battle for a top four place.
Indeed it was Kilcoyne's replacement who crashed over from the back of a maul to the delight of the Munster crowd.
The result leaves Anthony Foley's men in sixth place, overtaking the Ospreys and with two games in hand to their nearest competitors.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
