DAN AT THE DEATH

Gutsy Ulster fall short at Avivá as Sheehan saves Leinster

- BY DEREK FOLEY

LEINSTER started slowly against Ulster in the URC at the Aviva last night and were 10 points down at the break - but staged a second-half comeback, earning the four-try bonus point in the end.

The Blue revival was directly down to four changes to the forwards in the 43rd minute and a further two before the 55th minute, although 80-minuter Jack Conan was Man of the Match.

Leinster went five points down after 13 minutes after they coughed up two consecutive penalties.

A number of barges later Nathan Doak opted to go back to out-half Jack Murphy, who steadied himself before kick-passing in behind Ciaran Frawley, who was defending the left corner and for Werner Kok to race in behind him.

Leinster got back on even keel following a deal of white-line fever before Sam Prendergast eventually opted to go wide with a lengthy, inch perfect pass to Rieko Ioane.

The Kiwi had to juggle the ball to keep hold of it but having got a run at Robert Baloucoune he was able to power past him and get to the line; Prendergast kicked the conversion to put Leinster two points ahead.

The hosts looked to have taken control but there were two tries for the visitors before half time.