LEINSTER ARE IN RUDE WELF

Blues notch up an important road win at Tigers

- BY DEREK FOLEY

LEINSTER couldn't quite pick a precious bonus point but their Welford Road win last night was still a welcome boost.

Harry Byrne played for an hour, Sam Prendergast for 20 minutes and both put in solid performances in the ever competitive Blues out-half position.

But if boss Leo Cullen and Ireland's Andy Farrell were looking for any kind of a pointer for the future, both displays were frustratingly short of definitive magic.

Byrne controlled his side in measured, low-risk fashion, notably taking a coupel of 'mature' decisions - not least opting to take nine points via three penalties.

Prendergast was marginally the better running threat but he had arrived at a time the home side were visibly wilting. Still, it was a second Champions Cup win for Leinster and came despite an unusual amount of disruption surrounding the game's opening.

Tadhg Furlong was withdrawn with illness early in the day, then Jack Conan took an HIA from almost the first play and an injured Jimmy O'Brien was subbed after just 10 minutes.