Leinster’s attempts to break into the Guinness PRO12 top four fell short but they were fortunate to avoid defeat in Treviso.
The Italian outfit threatened to shock the league champions after they raced into a 12-5 lead after Darragh Fanning’s early score but Leinster hit back with tries from Dave Kearney, Bryan Byrne and a second from Fanning, taking the winger’s try count to five in ten games this season. The Blues led 24-19 with four minutes to go but Davide Giazzon got over for a try in the corner.
Out-half Jayden Hayward missed the conversion and, 60 seconds later, a penalty. Either kick would have clinched the points. Leinster then had one last chance to snatch the win but Jimmy Gopperth’s drop goal attempt drifted right and wide.
The main talking point before kick-off was the late withdrawal from the Leinster team of Luke Fitzgerald – the fourth occasion he has been pulled from the starting line-up in the calendar year. Following the 24-24 draw, Leinster issued this update:
Injury update: Luke – got through warm up but groin felt tight at the end. Withdrawn as a precaution. Richardt – tight hamstring. #COYBIB
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 23, 2014
Richardt Strauss left the game with a hamstring injury but it appears it was also a precautionary measure, rather than anything more serious.
