Leo Cullen’s Leinster produced a superb defensive display as his side produced an industrious display to beat a spirited Emirates Lions 21-13 at the RDS Arena. 

Leinster struggled to find their groove for much of the first half as Cullen’s men took a slender 7-6 lead into the break, but two quick fire tries from Michael Ala’alatoa and Scott Penny shifted the game in favour of the hosts. 

Tries from Dave Kearney, Ala’alatoa, Penny and three conversions from Ross Byrne proved to be enough despite a late effort from Jaco Kriel as Leinster sealed a crucial four points ahead of a four game road trip for Cullen’s team. 

The Lions entered the game with just two wins, but produced a determined display as they made Leinster work for the victory, and crucially denied the hosts a try scoring bonus point. 

Despite their struggles this season the Lions made Leinster sweat, but lacked the killer touch to overcome Leinster’s strong defence. 

The visitors were made to run two missed penalties from Jordan Hendrikse early on, as Leinster capitalised with an opening try from Kearney in the corner just minutes later. Ross Byrne kicked the conversion to make it 7-0 early on. 

The Lions responded quickly as Hendrikse slotted over two penalties to reduce the deficit to one point. However, the South African team couldn’t find a way to break the whitewash despite their impressive performance as Dan Leavy on his return to action produced a superb goalline turnover to deny the Lions an opening score.

Minutes later Leavy almost switched from try saver to try scorer as the Irish international powered over from a driving maul. However, the back-rower couldn’t ground the ball and the referee blew the whistle for the break.

However, Leinster came out of the sheds firing on all cylinders as Ala’alatoa and substitute Penny scored two quickfire tries to give the hosts a comfortable 21-6 lead, sending the home crowd into celebration. 

The Lions almost responded in emphatic fashion as Stean Pienaar broke from deep and accelerated along the touchline, but a remarkable last ditch effort from Tommy O’Brien spared Leinster’s blushes. 

The hosts pushed for a fourth score, but instead conceded as Jaco Kriel scored an opportunistic try at the death to give the visitors a much deserved score as the game ended 21-13.