Murrayfield hoodoo strikes again

Edinburgh 15 Leinster 13:  An 10 game winning streak has been cut short at the most unfortunate time for Leinster, but at the…

Edinburgh 15 Leinster 13: An 10 game winning streak has been cut short at the most unfortunate time for Leinster, but at the most likely of grounds, putting celebrations on ice for the time being at least.

Michael Cheika's side could have all but wrapped up the Magners Celtic League had Felipe Contepomi's last-gasp penalty not hit the post, but the curse of Murrayfield struck again as they were beaten 15-13 by the Scots.

A repeat of their costly Heineken Cup defeat was not anticipated against a side coming off the back of hammerings at the hands of Glasgow and Cardiff, but Edinburgh rediscovered some form tonight.

Basic handling mistakes dominating the early exchanges.

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Leinster launched the first telling raid and Argentinean Contepomi broke the deadlock with a confidently-struck penalty in the seventh minute.

Edinburgh's reply was powerful and potent as they surged in front, thanks to a fine touchdown by fit-again hooker Ross Ford. The Scotland star was in the right place at the right time out wide to finish off a slick handling move.

And Phil Godman slotted the tricky conversion, giving the Gunners a potentially solid platform.

Gunners carved out further opportunities, but it was Leinster who got the scoreboard clicking again as Contepomi doubled his penalty tally.

It took Edinburgh only two minutes to restore their advantage through the boot of Godman.

Leinster stepped up the pace going into the final half hour but still the Gunners markers were holding firm.

And having soaked up the pressure they delivered the killer blow when flanker Dave Callam galloped through for the second try.

Luke Fitzgerald revived Leinster's prospects with a pack-drive touchdown, converted by Contepomi.

Then came high drama deep in stoppage time as the Gunners were penalised for handling on the deck, leaving Contepomi with a simple strike which crashed back off the woodwork to consign Leinster to a seventh defeat in eight in Murrayfield.