Referee George Clancy was slipping on the RDS pitch when Josh van der Flier heaved for the line. Somehow, from his new vantage point, he was convinced the Leinster flanker touched down.
Connacht are well used to returning from Dublin trips with bruises, grumbles and very few points to show for it.
January 2016 represents the third time in recent seasons that the westerners pushed Leinster close only to lose. It is becoming a nasty habit.
Pat Lam’s men lost 13-0 to Leinster at the RDS as their top four [or title, for the optimists] push was further dented.
Connacht trailed 3-0 to the Blues heading towards the final quarter when Clancy reckoned van der Flier had scored a try. “Is there any reason I can’t award the try?” the ref asked the TMO.
We have a try! Josh Van Der Flier dives over. Leinster lead Connacht 10-0 #PRO12 https://t.co/YzKc13Xbjd
https://t.co/1D5ial4wDF— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 1, 2016
Replays proved inconclusive but Marshall Kilgore, the TMO, told Clancy he could award the try.
The controversial Leinster try. Looked to be held up but Clancy said ‘any reason I can NOT award the try’ pic.twitter.com/qLFNP0r20z
— Patrick McCarry (@patmccarry) January 1, 2016
Connacht attempted to rally in the final 15 minutes but knock-ons cost them and an Ian Madigan penalty completed the scoring at 13-0.
