URC: Dragons 10 Leinster 24

Another day, another officiating controversy.Leinster shipped three cards and arguably their worst performance of the season, but they survived a baffling decision not to show red to Scott Penny in the dying moments, then racing up the other end for a fourth score to secure an undeserved bonus-point win over the Dragons.

Leading 5-0 after four minutes, you’d be forgiven for anticipating a familiar script between these two. Alex Soroka’s early score came with a level of ease that bordered on pitiful, from a Dragons perspective.

Fresh off losing his Ireland spot to Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle looked pleased to be back on a rugby pitch. He won two scrum penalties from the first two set pieces, one of wich allowing Harry Byrne to kick to the corner. Soroka barged over with a strong finish moments later.

That would be that in terms of Leinster points in the opening half. Not for a lack of opportunity.One 22 entry was ended by a choke tackle, another by an unsympathetic pass from Jordan Larmour to Hugh Cooney. A third threatened a score after a Boyle burst only for Dragons to isolate the prop and turn him over.

Leinster’s subsequent implosion was largely self-inflicted, ill-discipline allowing their hosts to turn the territory battle. Repeated penalties saw Diarmuid Mangan sent to the bin, Dragons capitalising when Matthew Screech touched down from a driving maul.