URC: Leinster roll on against Ulster as Munster find a way to tame Lions

The return of the United Rugby Championship went under the radar over the weekend.

There was the small matter the IRFU's 150th anniversary match against Australia, a Women’s Euro play-off for the soccer team, while the country went to the ballot across a hectic weekend.

Leinster, naturally, went about their business in the usual manner.

A crowd of 16,491 turned out at the Kingspan for the round seven interpro to see Leo Cullen’s side extend their lead at the top of the table.

Having beaten Leinster twice last season, Richie Murphy’s side would have expected to face a motivated visiting side and just about deserved their 13-10 lead at the break with Ben Carson and Luke McGrath scoring a try apiece.

Leinster lock Brian Deeny was sin-binned in the 12th minute after a head collision with Aidan Morgan.

There’s no bunker review in the championship but the second row can consider himself lucky. Reds have been given for similar incidents.

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It was a physical affair with five players going off injured in the first half alone.

But Leinster were able to introduce RG Snyman after the break and tries from Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien and James Culhane secured the bonus point in a 27-20 win.

"It was pretty ugly though at times," said Cullen, whose side are next in action against Bristol Bears on Sunday.

"It wasn’t perfect, but we will take it.

"The first half was pretty scratchy but there was definitely a big improvement in the second half. We were a hell of a lot better."

There were positive soundings