Winger Werner Kok scored two tries for Ulster before Leinster clawed their way back to secure a narrow Vodacom URC win in Dublin on Friday night.
The defending champions eventually prevailed 24-20 at the Aviva Stadium, but only after weathering a strong first-half showing from their northern rivals that had the hosts under real pressure at the break.
Ulster made the early running, with Kok finishing smartly in the corner after 14 minutes to reward sustained pressure. The former Blitzbok struck again just before the half-hour mark, capitalising on an interception to race away for his second and give the visitors firm control.
Leinster responded through All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane, who muscled his way over midway through the half, but Ulster struck before the interval as hooker Tom Stewart dotted down to send the visitors into the change rooms with a 17-7 lead.
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The hosts emerged with renewed urgency after the break and were rewarded when flank Josh van der Flier powered over in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit. Momentum briefly swung Ulster’s way again when scrumhalf Nathan Doak landed a pressure penalty, but Leinster refused to go away.
Even a yellow card for lock James Ryan failed to halt the comeback, with winger James Lowe finishing well out wide to set up a tense final quarter.
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The decisive moment came in the closing stages when Ulster lock David McCann was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on. Leinster immediately made the extra man count, with hooker Dan Sheehan burrowing over to seal the result.
In Friday night’s other match, scrumhalf Gareth Davies scored a brace as the Scarlets edged Cardiff 21-17 at the Arms Park.
Photo: @UlsterRugby/X
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