Leinster surge in second-half to overcome gritty Edinburgh

The capital side started with great intent but faced an early setback when Callum Hunter-Hill was shown a yellow card for a high hit, leaving them down to 14 men.

Leinster took immediate advantage, powering over through Max Deegan following a strong lineout drive to take the lead.

However, Edinburgh hit back just two minutes later with a moment of magic; a brilliant short-side attack saw Ben Muncaster, Ben Vellacott, and Duhan van der Merwe link up seamlessly, with the British & Irish Lion winger racing in from 40m out to finish.

A successful penalty from Ross Thompson soon after nudged the visitors ahead at 7-8.

The visitors were playing some beautiful rugby and thought they had claimed a ‘try of the season’ contender after a stunning length-of-the-field move, only for the score to be cruelly ruled out by the TMO for an infringement in the build-up.

Undeterred, and with Freddy Douglas once again proving a menace at the breakdown, Edinburgh continued to press.

On the stroke of half-time, they caught Leinster napping with a quick tap penalty; the ball was moved wide excellently for Mal Satala to show his electric pace and finish his first try for the club, sending Edinburgh into the sheds with a deserved 7-15 lead.

Leinster emerged for the second period with renewed energy, turning the screw with quick, front-foot ball that put the Edinburgh defence under immense pressure.

The hosts began winning a string of penalties, repeatedly kicking into the Edinburgh 22 and powering over from close range.

Scott Penny became the focal point of this resurgence, grabbing a hat-trick of close-range tries to secure Leinster’s bonus point and earn himself the BKT Player of the Match award.

While Charlie Shiel managed to grab a late score for the visitors to narrow the gap, the ending proved heartbreaking.

Cammy Scott’s conversion attempt – which unfortunately slipped off the tee as he approached – stayed low and was charged down by the Leinster defence.

The missed kick meant Edinburgh finished eight points adrift, leaving Dublin empty-handed without a losing bonus point to show for their significant efforts.