Ulster strike late to derail Leinster's top spot hopes

Leinster lost control of their URC destiny as Ulster struck late to claim a much-needed victory that confirms a play-off place.

Needing a win to return to the top of the standings, Leo Cullen's second-string outfit almost held out for the victory but were ultimately undone by their own mistakes and failure to capitalise on Ulster’s.

Richie Murphy, confirmed as permanent head coach during the week, will be delighted with how his charges stayed in the game and claimed four priceless points that sees them leapfrog Edinburgh into sixth with one round remaining.

With Edinburgh and Benetton - seventh and eighth - meeting next week, only of them and Lions, should they claim five points against the Bulls, could overtake Ulster but the lowest they can finish is eighth.

Leinster, meanwhile, are in third, and will be unable to improve on that position if Munster and Bulls win their round-18 games.

Ulster’s players did a lap of honour as they thanked the home support in their last regular season game at the Kingspan Stadium with John Cooney hailed as the hero with his last-gasp kick the winning of the game and completing a double over Leinster.

The good news for Leinster ahead of next weekend’s Investec Champions Cup final against Toulouse in London, was the return of both Hugo Keenan (below) and James Ryan, who both lasted the full 80 minutes, neither showing any rustiness after hip and arm injuries, respectively.

However, Charles Ngatai and Tommy O'Brien were injured in the first-half and Leinster will be sweating on their fitness ahead of the game next weekend.

The hosts dominated the proceedings for the majority of the opening half but still, somehow, found themselves trailing 14-10 going in.

Leinster's lead came despite a shaky lineout,