European Champions Cup: Leinster coach Matt O'Connor praises battling win

Leinster head coach Matt O'Connor was happy his side survived an 'arm wrestle' with Harlequins as they edged a tight contest 14-13 in their European Champions Cup Pool 2 match at the Aviva Stadium.

The Blues looked set for a more comfortable margin of victory as they led 11-0 at the break after man-of-the-match Ian Madigan landed two penalties and Isaac Boss scored an opportunist try in the corner.

Quins battled back in the second half, though, with Conor O’Shea’s side utilising their superior scrum as full-back Mike Brown crossed for a try and Tim Swiel, who stood in at fly-half for the injured Nick Evans, added eight points with the boot.

If we had executed a little bit better we could have been out of sight at half-time.

But Madigan slotted a decisive 71st-minute penalty to secure the points for Leinster and leaving O’Connor to praise his side’s battling qualities.

"I wouldn't say we escaped (with the result), no. It was tight, it was an arm wrestle,” he said.

“It was very, very intense, a high quality game between two very committed sides. Escaped is a very strong word.

"If we had executed a little bit better we could have been out of sight at half-time. That was our doing. They came back very hard at us in the second half - we were a bit inaccurate early doors and, as a result, they got their tails up and got a bit of momentum.

"We would have liked to get a little but more out of tonight. We would have liked to be more accurate and get something more in London last weekend but there's two games to go (in the pool stages) and we've given ourselves a chance."

Victory leaves Leinster level with Harlequins on 13 points, with the Londoners just ahead on scoring difference.

Our defence was heroic, but we didn't hold onto the ball as much as we should.

"If we're good enough and we can get maximum points out of those two remaining games, or more points than Quins, we give ourselves a chance (of reaching the quarter-finals)," added O'Connor said.

"That's not a bad place to be with bodies coming back into the group."

Harlequins director of rugby O'Shea was left frustrated in contrast, after his side only collected a losing bonus point from the contest.

"I'm just frustrated," said O'Shea. "You come to win. We didn't come to make up the numbers and credit to our fellas. First half, they tackled their socks off because we didn't hold the ball.

“Second half they showed huge mental strength and could have nudged a pretty historic win but we didn't.

"You are bound to be disappointed after a game like that. First half, 11-0 down, we missed a couple of opportunities ourselves but didn't hold onto the ball if we are being honest.

“Our defence was heroic, but we didn't hold onto the ball as much as we should.

"A couple of TMO decisions (went against us), but that's life. It's small margins. We are in control of our own destiny but it's a long way to go. The boys are very disappointed."