Ulster 13 Leinster 21:Matt Williams's Ulster revival failed to yield a fifth successive win this evening as the province slipped to an eight-point defeat to defending Magners League champions Leinster. The Australian's side has come along way since the faltering start to the season but he admitted afterwards he was "cross" with his side for throwing away the game.
The hosts were in contention until the last 10 minutes but were stung late on by the more experienced side whose coach may still have more questions to answer than Williams after the visitors failed to convert territory into points.
Nevertheless, Michael Cheika's side did what Munster and Connacht failed to do this season, win at Ravenhill, and in doing so prevented their hosts from picking up even a losing bonus point.
A derby is always a physical affair but tonight there was more than provincial pride at stake. Some fringe internationals had points to prove and to that end Ulster's Darren Cave, Stephen Ferris and Ian Humhpreys all made their case, while Gordon D'Arcy made an encouraging return on the Leinster wing after a 10-month lay-off.
Rocky Elsom was yet again the standout player and capped a fine display in defence and attack with a crucial second half try that turned the tide for Leinster.
The champions trailed at halftime after Cave capitalised on some sloppy defending from Leinster and carved his way through the backline after running on to Humphreys's perfectly timed pass.
The outhalf added the conversion and despite Leinster testing their defence the hosts went in at the break with a 7-3 lead after Felipe Contepomi's eighth minute penalty.
Leinster's response was immediate after the break, as Elsom charged over from close range after Girvan Dempsey was held up just short of the line.
Contepomi converted for a 10-7 lead but Humphreys soon restored parity before the pair traded another two penalties to level the game at 13 points apiece.
Ferris, whose powerful running and big hits had seen him run Elsom close for man-of-match, was then replaced by Thomas Anderson and Simon Keogh was introduced for Leinster.
It was the latter who made the bigger impact, exposing some sloppy defending from Paddy Wallace when gathering Contepomi's pass and diving over in the corner.
The Argentinean missed the conversion but ensured Ulster got nothing when he added a penalty four minutes from time and moved his side to within five points of leaders Munster.
Humphreys had the opportunity to secure a losing bonus point from distance but his effort fell short.
Williams's initial reaction was that his side was "very unfortunate" after an "extraordinary" defensive display but he then admitted on Setanta Sports that he will be "kicking a few bums on Monday morning" after his side "threw it away".
