A last gasp Andrew Porter try denied Connacht a first victory in Dublin since 2002 as the reigning PRO14 and Champions Cup winners fought their way back from 17 points down to mark a dramatic victory.
The Ireland international proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for the visitors as Leinster’s relentless pressure eventually told as Porter fought his way of the line to win the match in the 82nd minute.
Connacht had been on course to record only their second ever victory in the capital since 1955 and were in an astute position with under 20 minutes to go thanks to an impeccable display from man of the match Jack Carty.
The Ireland U20 international notched up 14 points in the encounter, including a sumptuous kick and run that led to a try before half-time, but it proved in vain as Leinster fought back.
It proved to be Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations stars that were at the heart of their rousing comeback as first Sean Cronin managed to weave his way to the try line to chip into the Connacht lead.
Then when Connacht were unable to clear their lines, Leinster broke and Dan Leavy found himself with just the try line beckoning to cross the whitewash to cut the gap to only three points.
Then with all backs to the wall, Leinster’s Porter, who has 10 international caps to his name, managed to ground the ball and seal the win.
