Isa Nacewa’s 100% place-kicking return was the difference between the sides as Leinster squeezed past their provincial rivals Connacht.

Although Connacht had the better of a slow burning first half, three penalties from man-of-the-match Nacewa nudged Leinster into a 9-3 lead at the break.

Connacht took advantage of second half sin-binnings for Isaac Boss (55 minutes) and Leo Cullen (71) as they created tries for Tiernan O’Halloran and South African Ethienne Reynecke.

But Matthew Jarvis and replacement Miah Nikora missed both conversions, with the latter also watching his last-gasp drop goal attempt fall under the crossbar in a dramatic finish.

Speaking afterwards, Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt said: “The gust of wind that maybe pushed it (Nikora’s kick) back a bit was unlucky for them and I think that would sum up their night when you add that to Harlequins away when they scored two tries to one.

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