Under-strength Leinster fell to their second Celtic League defeat of the season with hosts Cardiff completing a comfortable 30-17 victory at The Arms Park this evening. The defending champions, denied the services of key players due to Ireland's World Cup commitments in Russia this morning, trailed by 9-7 at the interval, but the Welsh improved significantly after the break and early tries from Anthony O'Sullivan and Martyn Williams proved decisive.
Fly-half Iestyn Harris, whose 20 points took him past 250 in 23 matches for Cardiff, made sure of the Welsh side's first home win of the campaign and leaves Matt Williams’ side on the verge of a surprise early exit. Harris kicked three penalties - and missed a sitter - to give the Blue and Blacks an interval lead despite a try credited to Leinster number eight Des Dillon after a forward drive, converted by scrum-half Brian O'Meara.
Towards the break, the home side's talismanic Canadian back row, Dan Baugh, began to batter holes in the viciting defence and South African full-back Donavan van Vuuren came close to a debut try. Leinster prop Niall Treston was sin-binned just before half-time and was still absent as Cardiff rattled 15 points in the opening exchanges of the second period.
A brilliant over-arm pass by skipper Williams in midfield allowed left-wing Sullivan to dive in at the corner. Then it was livewire flanker Williams who won a turn over on the half-way line and, after a darting run by scrum-half Ryan Powell, popped up to finish the move with a well-deserved touchdown.
Leinster, beaten by Connacht last week, were far from finished and centre David Quinlan grabbed a loose ball in the Cardiff 22 to put lock Aidan Kearney over. But the holders were unable to maintain the pressure and Harris' boot had the final say as Cardiff ran out deserved 13 point winners.
Filed by Shane Murray
