BLUES MUST BATTLE BACK

LEINSTER need a convincing performance against Sharks on Saturday to ready themselves for the Croke Park clash with Munster in under a fortnight’s time.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

The two provinces find themselves at the opposite ends of the URC table after two rounds, with Munster’s narrow victory at home to Cardiff following Leinster's second loss on the spin in South Africa.

For the first time since 2003, the reigning champs have lost their opening two games.

Leinster's very tame 35-0 round one defeat to the Stormers was at least much improved on in the 39-31 loss to the Bulls.

Leo Cullen's side even held a four-point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining but went behind to a Stravino Jacobs try.

Then Sam Prendergast's long-range drop goal attempt was off-target before the out-half had a pass intercepted by David Kriel, and his try finished off the visitors.