Border Reivers 34 Leinster 35Despite a defensively lethargic and error-strewn game at Netherdale last night, Leinster coach Michael Cheika can reflect on still being in contention for a Celtic League and European Cup double.
The 9pm kick-off, dictated by the Melrose Sevens, and the comedown after last week's sensational victory in Toulouse are relatively decent excuses. But it only goes some way to explaining the kamikaze rugby that remarkably sends Leinster top of the table.
Although by some distance the superior outfit, the visiting team lacked the discipline of last weekend even if the bonus point was wrapped up by half-time.
Felipe Contepomi profited from one of the many gaps in the Borders defence to touch down near the uprights. The Argentinian's conversion made it 27-19 at the break.
Kieran Lewis was pulled from the starting line-up, after damaging his shoulder playing for St Mary's last Sunday, so Brian O'Driscoll renewed an old centre partnership with Shane Horgan.
Another novelty was the selection of Niall Ronan at blindside flanker. Cheika spoke recently of being "bullied" into selecting the in-form Lansdowne player.
It proved a worthwhile selection as Ronan flopped over the line after just seven minutes, the Leinster maul proving too much for the Borders. Contepomi missed the conversion, so two Calum MacRae penalties reduced the deficit to a single point.
In reply Leinster again used the maul with Ronan McCormack going over in the corner. Contepomi again failed to convert.
MacRae continued his impressive haul with two more penalties but sandwiched between them was an excellent Leinster try. Will Green barged over after Ronan and Jamie Heaslip made the initial yardage while keeping the ball alive at pace.
After every score Leinster seemed to lose concentration and their line was finally breached when fullback Stuart Moffat profited from a snappy skip pass from scrumhalf Brendan McKerchar.
In four insane minutes Gregor Townsend and winger Nikki Walker crossed for tries to put the home side 31-30 in front. Walker's came just after 10pm from a quick tap penalty. The sluggish defenders seemed like they were already asleep.
A couple of players upped the intensity, some magic from O'Driscoll and Contepomi getting them back in front. Contepomi missed the simplest of conversions. From the restart Leinster coughed up possession. MacRae, again, made it a one-point game.
SCORING SEQUENCE: 7 mins: N Ronan try, 5-0; 10: C MacRae pen, 5-3; 18: C MacRae, 5-6; 21: R McCormack try, 10-6; 26: W Green try, 15-6; F Contepomi con, 17-6; 29: C MacRae pen, 17-12; 32: F Contepomi pen, 20-12; 34: Stuart Moffat try, 20-17; C MacRae con, 20-19; 40: F Contepomi try, 25-19; F Contepomi con, 27-19. Half-time. 46: G Townsend try, 27-24; C MacRae con, 27-26; 48: F Contepomi pen, 30-26; 50: N Walker try, 30-31; 69: F Contepomi try, 35-31; 72: C MacRae pen, 35-34.
LEINSTER: G Dempsey; R Kearney, B O'Driscoll (capt), S Horgan, D Hickie; F Contepomi, G Easterby; R McCormack, B Blaney, W Green; B Williams, M O'Kelly; N Ronan, K Gleeson, J Heaslip. Replacements: C Jowitt for Ronan (51 mins), E Byrne for McCormack (57 mins).
BORDER REIVERS: S Moffat; S Danielli, B MacDougall, C MacRae, N Walker; G Townsend, B McKerchar; T McGee, S Scott, B Douglas (capt); O Palepoi, S MacLeod; J Dalziel, S Gray, K Brown. Replacements: S Sititi for Gray (51 mins), C Stewart for MacLeod (57 mins), J King for MacDougall, P Thomson for McGee (both 74 mins), A Miller for Brown (75 mins).
Referee: N Ballard (Wales).
