Connacht 13-15 Leinster
Leinster were left thanking the weather gods at the Sportsground after Miah Nikora’s last-gasp drop goal effort fell just short of the crossbar and denied Connacht a famous win.
Nikora had earlier missed a gilt-edged chance to draw the Westerners level, but blazed a conversion opportunity wide after Ethienne Reynecke had touched down to put Connacht within two points.
It was a far from vintage display from the Heineken Cup champions, but while Nikora had difficulties with the boot for the hosts, Isa Nacewa had no such trouble for the Blues, kicking five penalties from five attempts to account for the entirety of Leinster’s 15-point total.
Eric Elwood’ side had trailed by nine points at one stage in the second half, but tries from Tiernan O’Halloran and Reynecke, either side of a Nacewa penalty, put them back in the mix.
Unfortunately for the home supporters, Nikora’s couldn’t do what has come so naturally to Ronan O’Gara and win the game with a last-gasp drop goal.
He was so close that the referee actually had to consult the TMO, but the home crowd knew it was only inches short after being held up by the strong wind, as did Nikora, who had his head in his hands by the time the ball fell to the ground.
To make matters worse for Connacht, Brian Tuohy was given oxygen as he was stretchered from the field with what looked like a serious injury midway through the second half. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.
