17:22:
Disappointment for Connacht as they come up just short against Leinster. They’ll stay fifth place in Conference A of the Guinness PRO14 before their next ‘derby’ outing in Thomand Park against Munster on Saturday.
We’ll have a selection of match reports from today’s game available shortly. And to see the up-to-date table, just click HERE.
Thank you for joining our coverage and we hope you join us again from 6pm on Wednesday night (3rd January) as Galway’s senior footballers begin their 2018 season with the opening game of the Connacht FBD League against Sligo.
17:21:
What a game of rugby @leinsterrugby @connachtrugby @SportTG4 those men from the west don’t give it up easy. Roll on @UlsterRugby and @Munsterrugby
— Cathal Austin (@CathalAustin) January 1, 2018
17:19:
Gutted for @connachtrugby 💔 pic.twitter.com/amno4D0KOC
— Irish Citylink (@citylinkireland) January 1, 2018
17:18:
Tough luck Connacht. Gripping finish to a great game. Epic defence by Leinster to hold them out, in fairness. #LEIvCON
— Frank McNally (@FrankmcnallyIT) January 1, 2018
17:16:
I thought the referee favoured Leinster heavily. Great defence from #leinsterrugby to be fair but you've got to love watching #Connachtrugby always entertaining and I think may go all the way in Challenge cup
— Baroigh11@gmail.com (@Baroigh11gmail1) January 1, 2018
17:15:
@connachtrugby
What a game of rugby in the RDS. Anyone thinking Connacht are a soft touch, think again, we are tough bastards.
Pride & Glory from Connacht.— Mick Dempsey (@dempsey_mick) January 1, 2018
17:12:
This is what it means to beat your rivals 👏
Great defence from @leinsterrugby keeps @connachtrugby at bay and they hold on for a precious win#GUINNESSPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/6k0gyEtark
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 1, 2018
17:10:
Those #Leinster players will feel the bruises tonight after holding #Connacht out for the last 6 minutes. Close game 21 -18 and great to watch #Pro14 #RDS #Dublin
— Sean (@WalkingForEU) January 1, 2018
17:08:
https://twitter.com/BarryMcGonigle_/status/947877005965611009
17:07:
Disappointing. Connacht gave it everything right up to the end.
— Lucy Keaveney (@Luighseach) January 1, 2018
17:04:
RESULT! LEINSTER 21-18 CONNACHT
Despite 28 phases of play in the closing moments and getting within three metres of the opposing line, Connacht can’t get the match saving score as Leinster’s defence hold out. Disappointing after a gallant effort!
17:03:
If you'd a ticket for this game and didn't go, shame on you. Cracking match. @leinsterrugby @connachtrugby #LEIvCON
— Kate Mc (@katemc79) January 1, 2018
17:02:
Nail biting stuff
— Lucy Keaveney (@Luighseach) January 1, 2018
17:00:
Connacht a joy to watch. Some better kicking in this game and they would have won. Without vardy Leinster looked rudderless #LEIvCON
— Leeroy Browne (@leedjdublin) January 1, 2018
16:58:
Penalty Connacht on halfway… but the kick doesn't find touch and @jameslowenz boots it down the line. (21-18, 79') #LEIvCON
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
16:57:
Matt Healy's sidesteps are worthy of #Riverdance … brilliant try for #Connacht 21-18. Two minutes to go. Nothing in it. #LEIvCON Cmon #Connachtrugby pic.twitter.com/12DhdFYId4
— Brian Nolan (@GalwayWalks) January 1, 2018
16:56:
Lovely moon over the RDS this evening @leinsterrugby pic.twitter.com/KbUTZAodUJ
— Ger Scanlon (@gerscanlon) January 1, 2018
16:55:
Connacht fairly sticking it to Leinster! #LEIvCON
— Pat Quirke (@patquirke) January 1, 2018
16:52:
Connacht Rugby is top class #LEIvCON
— Adam Nolan (@AdamNolan8) January 1, 2018
16:50:
Great TRY!!!!!!! Well deserved Healy with great feet to get over!!! Leinster 21 Connacht 18 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/K8JiWdV6qK
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) January 1, 2018
16:48:
69 | Try Connacht – Great pressure, it goes out to @heals102 who beats 3 men and touches down – Conv is wide – LEI 21 CON 18 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
16:47:
Try Connacht. Matt Healy. (21-18, 69') #LEIvCON
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
16:45:
TRY! CONNACHT! MATT HEALY! (21-18)
16:42:
Connacht really putting it up to Leinster. Great to see them back playing so well. Christmas/New Year Derbies have been super.
— Aidan (@Aidan_m_) January 1, 2018
16:41:
Wasn’t able to get two decent seats together via ticketmaster so decided to watch at home. See lots of empty seats on TV that I would have bought. Can season ticket holders not sell on seats they won’t be using?
— Laura (@TheDublinDiary) January 1, 2018
16:37:
60 | Try Leinster – They squeeze over after putting pressure on our line and Sexton converts – LEI 21 CON 13 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
16:36:
#connachtrugby It's an easy game if you're allowed cheat, and the opposition are not: Three times Leinster came in from the side: Every ruck someone is being held back: YET only Connacht have been penalised
— Dave Finn (@Furlo) January 1, 2018
16:34:
JOHNNY SEXTON CONVERTS! (21-13)
16:33:
TRY! LEINSTER! IAN NAGLE! (19-13)
16:33:
But, sexton went for the place ball, ball fell over THEN he decides to drop kick and misses. THEN the referee decides that he can take again…hold on, am I missing something? That and Connacht are now coming out the wrong side of every call. Bar the last one for holding on.
— John Mulligan (@Mulliganj) January 1, 2018
16:32:
I wonder if @connachtrugby will get a call in their favor today #LEIvCON
— Aly Muldowney (@AlyMuldowney) January 1, 2018
16:30:
That's a monster from Johnny Sexton!💥
The @leinsterrugby fly-half kicks his side back ahead against @connachtrugby with this penalty. Follow the action live on @TG4TV#GUINNESSPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/HSDxnaS6TY
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 1, 2018
16:27:
Two guys in front of me at @leinsterrugby game discussing darts final – may have their season tickets rescinded in the morning 🤪 #LEIvCON
— Joe (@LongWayToTipp) January 1, 2018
16:26:
For a minute there @SeanCronin2 was back playing for @connachtrugby , completely offside and obstructing #joke #GUINNESSPRO14 #LeivCon
— Senan Mullin (@Senan007) January 1, 2018
16:25:
#connachtrugby Penalty Leinster on halfway 13-14: Dont think it would have been called on blue
— Dave Finn (@Furlo) January 1, 2018
16:23:
PENALTY! LEINSTER! JOHNNY SEXTON SCORES! (14-13)
16:15:
Teams back out and Sexton kicks off the 2nd half – no changes on either team at half time – LEI 11 CON 13 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
16:14:
Half-time stats from a tight game at the #RDSArena. #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/zjJD7xwSVQ
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
16:13:
ACTION REPLAY | @FinlayBealham comes up with the ball after touching down on the stroke of half time #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/ocMXLsnyvl
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
16:07:
Anything @leinsterrugby can do…💥
What a response from @connachtrugby! Pace, power and quick hands sees @FinlayBealham go over.
Watch it live on @TG4 right now#GUINNESSPRO14 #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/gYDijwrK5O
— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) January 1, 2018
16:06:
ACTION REPLAY – Great steal from @JohnMuldoon8 in the lineout #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/BroY92VVQI
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
16:05:
The only only shouting for @connachtrugby deep in @leinsterrugby territory!!! #Pro14 #GuinnessPro14 #GreenArmy pic.twitter.com/DXwvQVwMUW
— Eric Hennelly Flanagan (@EricHFlanagan) January 1, 2018
16:04:
@ConnachtClan fans in good spirits at half time in @rabbitts_murty Connacht lead Leinster 13-11 #StrongerInGreen pic.twitter.com/giSeC9WC6t
— Philip Coyle (@philipcoyle9) January 1, 2018
16:03:
booooom @connachtrugby @FinlayBealham pic.twitter.com/cGDlIabRBL
— An Pucan (@anpucangalway) January 1, 2018
16:02:
@connachtrugby lead HT yaayyyyy11-13 #LEIvCON #pro14 pic.twitter.com/XMvaJ3UrnZ
— Stephanie O'Boyle (@StephanieOBoyle) January 1, 2018
16:01:
HALF-TIME – LEINSTER 11-13 CONNACHT
16:00:
38 | TRY CONNACHT – Great break first by @bundeeaki12 and @FinlayBealham gets over – @JackCarty10 kicks the conv – LEI 11 CON 13 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
15:59:
JACK CARTY CONVERTS! (11-13)
15:58:
TRY! CONNACHT! FINLAY BEALHAM! (11-11)
15:55:
@leinsterrugby scores the Try of the Year thus far in 2018!#LEIvCON
🎥: https://t.co/WvDb86D55C#guinnesspro14 #newyear #rugby pic.twitter.com/m86c1IX6ob— The Rugby Channel (@TheRugbyChannel) January 1, 2018
15:54:
#connachtrugby Leinster get pinged for a high tackle: 11-6
— Dave Finn (@Furlo) January 1, 2018
15:53:
PENALTY! CONNACHT! JACK CARTHY SCORES! (11-6)
15:51:
29 | Try Leinster in the corner after a period of pressure Max Deegan gets over in the corner – Sexton misses the conv from the sideline – its LEI 11 CON 3 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
15:50:
All too easy for Leinster there. I'd like to see Sexton's pass again earlier but we can only blame ourselves for this. Leinster 11 Connacht 3 #LEIvCON
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) January 1, 2018
15:47:
TRY! LEINSTER! MAX DEEGAN! (11-3)
15:47:
Dan Leavy is on fire! Two unbelievable turnovers already! #LEIvCON #leinsterrugby #connachtrugby
— Rugby Remarks (@RugbyRemarks) January 1, 2018
15:46:
26 | LEI were away and @heals102 makes a big tackle to prevent a certain try and its our lineout – @UncleNiyisy in for @ciankelleher94 for HIA – LEI 6 CON 3 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
15:45:
.@JohnnySexton sends @LukeMcGrath93 away down the left wing but Matt Healy comes across to make the tackle about 15m out from the Connacht line. (6-3, 26') #LEIvCON
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
15:41:
PENALTY! LEINSTER! JOHNNY SEXTON SCORES! (6-3)
15:40:
A break from @LukeMcGrath93 nearly sends @KearneyRob over! @DanLeafy94 dives for the line but the ball is held up. Leinster scrum. (3-3, 23') #LEIvCON
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
15:38:
#connachtrugby We are blowing too many chances: Mind you Leinster are not rolling away
— Dave Finn (@Furlo) January 1, 2018
15:32:
Cheering on @connachtrugby 💚 #LEIvCON Happy New Years Day 🎉 pic.twitter.com/GQun7BqqUP
— Maria Coyne (@MariaCoyne1) January 1, 2018
15:26:
Supporting Leinster while wearing a Connacht hat. Is that allowed? #LEIvCON #RDSArena #rugby #sisters pic.twitter.com/6BxWj1FOIG
— Jane Nolan (@janeyjane172) January 1, 2018
15:24:
5 | Penalty Leinster – In front of the posts after it had to be retaken – LEI 3 CON 3 #LEIvCON
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
15:22:
PENALTY! LEINSTER! JOHNNY SEXTON SCORES! (3-3)
15:18:
Connacht win a penalty on our 22 and will go for the posts. Carty chips it over. (0-3, 1') #LEIvCON
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
15:17:
PENALTY! CONNACHT! JACK CARTY SCORES (0-3)
15:11:
The rugby mood both Connacht and Leinster are in, this game should be a cracker. #LEIvCON #TG4
— Niall Burke (@nialljburke) January 1, 2018
15:08:
We are 15 minutes from Kick Off here – We will have all the action as it happens from the RDS #LEIvCON pic.twitter.com/ALMUZjMrux
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
15:01:
It's that day of the year again when I support Connacht and Munster and the Mrs supports Leinster and Ulster.
We're great together.
— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) January 1, 2018
15:00:
As much as Connacht have hit a bit of form I can only see Leinster winning comfortably. Home side by double digits #LEIvCON
— Matt Cassidy (@Cass_maitias) January 1, 2018
14:58:
(LAST SIX MEETINGS)
Friday, December 19, 2014 – Leinster 21 Connacht 11, the RDS
Friday, January 1, 2016 – Leinster 13 Connacht 0, the RDS
Saturday, March 26, 2016 – Connacht 7 Leinster 6, the Sportsground
Saturday, May 28, 2016 – Final – Connacht 20 Leinster 10, BT Murrayfield
Saturday, October 29, 2016 – Leinster 24 Connacht 13, the RDS
Saturday, April 15, 2017 – Connacht 24 Leinster 37, the Sportsground
14:57:
Leinster won both of their matches against Connacht last season, while the westerners have won just three times against Leinster in Dublin since they first met in 1932: in 1955 and 1985 at Lansdowne Road and in 2002 at Donnybrook
14:56:
Connacht have won only twice away from home against a fellow Irish province in the history of the Championship: in Leinster in 2002 and in Munster in 2015
14:56:
Connacht have lost their last six away games in the Championship since they beat Edinburgh at Myreside, 22-19, in April
14:55:
Connacht have won their last three matches in all competitions since their defeat at Zebre in round 10 of the PRO14
14:54:
The Leinster men have not lost a regular season PRO14 match at the RDS since the Dragons beat them there in February 2015
14:53:
Leinster have won their last five matches in all competitions since they were beaten by Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium in round 8 of the GUINNESS PRO14
14:24:
Rob Murphy and William Davies preview Leinster v Connacht in the PRO14 Rugby today that kicks off at 3:15pm…. https://t.co/wbJ369rXfm
— Galway Bay FM Sport (@gbfmsports) January 1, 2018
14:23:
LINE UP: Here's a reminder of your #LeinsterRugby team for today's Interprovincial derby against Connacht at a packed out #RDSArena. #LEIvCON #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/r8QYhKa8XY
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 1, 2018
14:22:
Scene set. In our away strip this afternoon for the 3:15pm K.O. pic.twitter.com/PUhCv998vw
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) January 1, 2018
14:15:
Welcome to our Match Tracker on New Year’s Day as Connacht go in search of a first competitive win in Dublin since 2002. Leinster have been beaten only twice this season but Kieran Keane’s men will look to add to their stunning victory over Ulster on December 23rd and get a fourth consecutive victory.
