Leinster scrape single-point win over Harlequins

Leinster came through a nail-biting European Champions Cup rematch with Harlequins as Ian Madigan’s 71st-minute penalty gave them a 14-13 win at the Aviva Stadium.

Leinster scrape single-point win over Harlequins

Leinster 14 Harlequins 13

Leinster came through a nail-biting European Champions Cup rematch with Harlequins as Ian Madigan’s 71st-minute penalty gave them a 14-13 win at the Aviva Stadium.

Matt O’Connor’s men avenged last Sunday’s 24-18 loss at the Stoop – but only just – as Harlequins had them on the ropes, particularly when scoring 13 points in 20 second-half minutes.

Isaac Boss’ quick-witted try on the half hour, allied to two Madigan penalties, had Leinster leading 11-0 at half-time in Dublin. However, the dominant Quins scrum provided the platform to launch their comeback.

Tim Swiel, in for the injured Nick Evans at fly-half, found his kicking range with two penalties and an excellent conversion of Mike Brown’s well-worked 56th-minute try.

The Londoners looked to have the winning of the game until replacement Eoin Reddan inspired Leinster by tapping two penalties. The territory gained led to Madigan’s crucial kick and the Blues survived a frenetic finish during which Quins lock Charlie Matthews was sin-binned three minutes from time.

The losing bonus point is enough to keep Conor O’Shea’s side at the top of Pool 2, but Leinster are level with them on 13 points ahead of two fascinating final rounds next month.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Jack Carty 25/3/2024 Carty returns to starting lineup as Connacht ring changes for Benetton clash
Jack Crowley 26/3/2024 Rowntree includes returning big guns in Munster side to face Cardiff
England v Chile - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool D - Stade Pierre Mauroy England internationals Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam set to join Toulon
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited