Leinster downed by late Evans penalty as Cardiff snatch United Rugby Championship win

Jarrod Evans held his nerve to fire over a 45-metre penalty with the last kick of the game to give Cardiff their first win over Leinster since 2011.

Cardiff looked to have blown their chance when they conceded 14 points while No 8 James Botham was in the sin-bin but they finished strongly to pick up a morale-boosting victory.

Owen Lane and Hallam Amos scored Cardiff's tries with Evans adding four penalties and two conversions with Ben Thomas kicking a penalty.

Adam Byrne, James Tracy and Scott Penny were Leinster's tryscorers with Ross Byrne kicking two penalties and three conversions.

A penalty from Byrne gave Leinster an early lead but that was the only score of a keenly-contested opening quarter.

The visitors had marginally the better of that period with their more-accurate passing and creative running but both defences held firm.

A drive from the Cardiff pack won a penalty for Evans to succeed with a 40-metre kick before the outside-half’s superbly-judged kick was collected by Lane, who sped past two defenders for an excellent solo try.

The Irish response was immediate as Adam Byrne raced away to score with Ross Byrne’s conversion bringing the scores level.

Evans temporarily left the field for an HIA and in his absence, Thomas regained the lead for his side with a straightforward penalty.

Leinster suffered an injury blow when their flanker Will Connors was forced to leave the field and at half-time they were still trailing 13-10.

Evans returned for the second half and almost immediately kicked his second penalty as his side continued to cause the visitors problems in the scrum and at the breakdown.

Cardiff had certainly come out firing after the interval and deserved to extend their advantage with another Evans penalty.

Leinster