'Big man, just lives for the scrums' - Leinster captain Jack Conan hails Rabah Slimani

Captain Jack Conan hailed the impact of Rabah Slimani after Leinster dug out a hard-fought victory over Ulster in the URC.

The former France international was making his fifth appearance for the club since signing from Clermont last summer

The 35-year-old tighthead was to the forefront as the Leinster pack got the better of their hosts, forcing a number scrum penalties among a total of 13 conceded by Richie Murphy's side in the 27-20 defeat.

Slimani, who has 57 France caps, was replaced by Rory McGuire in the 71st minute as Leinster returned from a four-week break to extend their lead at the top of the table.

"Big man, just lives for the scrums," Conan told RTÉ Sport.

"He's been an unbelievable addition around the place.

"He's a fantastic character, he's a great man, very easy going, loves his bit of football. Zidane is his favourite footballer so he's always out kicking a football around.

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"You love to see him go to work in the scrums there, he absolutely lives for it, and he was unbelievable today for us.

"I think he got through 60, 70 odd minutes, which at 35-odd years of age it's pretty good going.

"I'm delighted for him, he obviously hasn't played in the last two weeks so to slot back in and be as impressive as he was was fantastic, exactly what we needed coming up here.

"We know how good Ulster's set-piece is so it was brilliant."

Leo Cullen’s side trailed at the break with Luke McGrath’s try and five points from the boot of Ross Byrne keeping them in touch.

However, Ulster ran out of