Leinster scrape past Blues
Leinster extended their lead at the top of the RaboDirect PRO12 table after a narrow 23-19 away win against Cardiff Blues.
Last Updated: 07/01/12 9:25pm
Leinster extended their lead at the summit of the RaboDirect PRO12 table after claiming a narrow 23-19 away win against Cardiff Blues.
Two early tries built Leinster's foundation for victory against the hosts, whose inaccuracy in front of goal cost them dearly in the closing stages.
Leinster got off to the perfect start at Cardiff City Stadium and were 14 points up with just 10 minutes on the clock.
Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney both crossed the try-line to leave the Blues reeling, with Jonathan Sexton converting each score as Leinster established a lead they would defend for the rest of the match.
But any hopes the visitors had of killing off the game early on were dispelled as Cardiff wrestled their way back into the contest courtesy of two Leigh Halfpenny penalties and a Dan Parks drop goal.
Dominance
But Leinster reasserted their dominance in the dying stages of the first half, stretching their lead to eight points courtesy of a Sexton penalty.
The opening stages of the second half were highlighted by two penalties, with Sexton and Halfpenny on target for their respective sides, before Cardiff cut the lead down to a single point with a try just before the hour.
Gethin Jenkins was the man who put the hosts firmly back in it, although his effort needed to be confirmed by the video referee first.
The Blues then missed two great chances to take the lead, with two Halfpenny penalty attempts missing the target.
The first, from 40 metres out, fell short, while the second sailed wide, much to the despair of the home fans.
Fergus McFadden then made no mistake for Leinster when the visitors were awarded a penalty for a late tackle, with his successful effort putting the away side four points up to wrap-up the win.
