Leo Cullen said there was something for everyone in a “magic" URC "fixture” as Leinster beat champions Munster 21-16.
A crowd of 49,246 turned out in Dublin to see Cullen’s charges gain revenge for last season’s play-off semi-final defeat.
Winger Jordan Larmour produced a fine finish to claim what proved to be the decisive score 15 minutes from time.
“It had a bit of everything, with two teams going flat out at it” explained Cullen. “The supporters want to see that, don’t they?” “We are very thankful for all the people that came out to support us.”
“It was great to be back in front of a full house. Everyone lent their voice and it felt incredible” said Player of the Match Jack Conan.
“It was good to get the win. It was incredibly physical out there. Munster kept it on for 80 minutes and put it up to us.”
Next up for Leinster is another Irish derby against Connacht out in Galway. “We know how tough it is down the Sportsground,” said Cullen. “It will be a great occasion. It’s such a great celebration of Irish rugby.
“This was a magic fixture and next week will be a magic fixture as well. It’s what you want to see” added Cullen.
Connacht go down in South Africa
As for Connacht, they went down to a 53-27 defeat to the Vodacom Bulls at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld. Connacht were outscored by seven tries to three.
The three games in South Africa all resulted in high-scoring home wins. The Emirates Lions beating Zebre Parma 61-19 in Johannesburg.
Whereas, the Hollywoodbets Sharks finally claim their first victory of the season, a record 69-14 defeat on the Dragons. Sharks running in 10 tries.
But the DHL Stormers endured yet more misery on the road as they lost 31-24 to Cardiff at the Arms Park. Which made it four defeats from four matches on their European tour.
Replacement prop Rhys Litterick was Cardiff’s hero with a match-winning try in the final play as they claimed their first league win at the famous old ground since February.
Glasgow hit top spot
Another week and another new URC league leader, with Glasgow Warriors moving top of the table courtesy of a 33-20 bonus point victory over Ulster at Scotstoun.
That had looked an unlikely result when the visitors went 14-0 up after just 11 minutes through tries from Tom Stewart and John Cooney.
Glasgow were back level by the break and then moved clear in the second-half with replacement hooker Johnny Matthews touching down twice.
Booth’s derby day delight
Ospreys coach Toby Booth was “absolutely delighted” with the way his players responded to a spot of stick from him to claim a 31-9 bonus point victory over the Scarlets in the west Wales derby.
Booth had been disappointed with the performance in the 20-5 defeat away to the Dragons in URC Round 5 and made his feelings known.
But he was in a very different mood following Sunday afternoon’s triumph at the Swansea.com Stadium which saw two tries for centre Keiran Williams, with No 8 Morgan Morris and debutant fly-half Dan Edwards also crossing.
It’s a result that leaves the Scarlets bottom of the BKT URC table after just one win from their opening six matches.
Game of the weekend: Cardiff Rugby 31, DHL Stormers 24
“We are definitely giving the fans’ their money’s worth. No-one is leaving early, that’s for sure” said Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt.
A match-winning try for replacement prop Rhys Litterick deep into stoppage time, the difference in Cardiff Arms Park.
