Leinster 54-42 Ulster: Eight-try Conference A leaders stay perfect

Leinster crossed eight times, with Max Deegan and Scott Penny each grabbing a pair of tries, to rout provincial rivals Ulster 54-42 on Friday.

The top two in Pro14’s Conference A went head-to-head, but it was scarcely a contest as the leaders eased to an eighth win in eight despite accommodating a late Ulster flurry.

There were five Leinster tries before half-time, with Deegan opening the scoring inside three minutes following a TMO check.

Angus Kernohan hit back, but Penny had two scores in quick succession – either side of Matt Faddes’ yellow card – as the hosts pulled clear, soon going over once more through Robbie Henshaw to swiftly clinch the bonus point.

BONUS POINT TRY! Robbie gets it after collecting Harry’s perfectly placed chip across the field! (26-7, 27′) #LEIvULS #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/JwqOuJWIan

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 20, 2019

Although Faddes boosted Ulster hopes, a 10-minute spell either side of the interval settled the contest, with Fergus McFadden, Rob Kearney and the jet-heeled Cian Kelleher each marking the scoresheet.

It was largely one-way traffic from that point, with Ulster belatedly allowed to take control, although Deegan’s 63rd-minute try ensured there was ample breathing space for Leinster.

A score from Craig Gilroy, two by Greg Jones and another courtesy of Jonny Stewart, along with Josh Murphy’s departure to the sin bin, at least saved some face for the beaten visitors.

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