It was a mixed night for Irish sides in the opening round of fixtures in the Guinness Pro12.
Ulster and Connacht recorded impressive victories against Ospreys and Dragons respectively, but Leinster fell to defeat in Edinburgh in Leo Cullen’s first competitive game in charge.
Leinster were beaten 16-9 in Scotland but got off to a bright start when the returning Ica Nacewa kicked them into a lead after just three minutes.
Nathan Fowles replied for the home side and the score in a dogged game remained 3-3 at the break.
The game opened up in the second period with Damien Hoyland crossing for a try for Edinburgh while Nacewa again landed a penalty.
A third Nacewa penalty made it 11-9 to the home side but Hoyland’s second try of the game with two minutes remaining ensured Cullen’s reign began in defeat.
Stuart McCloskey crosses to score for Ulster
Ulster produced the performance of the night from the Irish sides with a 28-6 demolition of Ospreys.
Captain Rob Herring crossed for a try after just five minutes and a Stuart McCloskey try, as well as a penalty and conversion from the No 12 made it 15-6 at the break.
Wiehahn Herbst and Luke Marshall added 10 unanswered points in the second period as
Connacht’s Danie Poolman crosses in the corner
Connacht ran in three tries in their 29-23 victory over Dragons in what was certainly the game of the night.
Debutant flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua crossed for the first try after 25 minutes, by which point Connacht led 9-0 thanks to three Jack Carty penalties.
Sarel Pretorious hit back with a converted try to make it 14-10 at the break.
Danie Poolman have Connacht the perfect start to the second half as he crossed in the corner after 42 minutes.
There was nervous moments as James Thomas’ converted try made it 22-20, but Fionn Carr, converted by out-half Carty who finished with 14 points, made the game safe.
