Connacht stand their ground to crank up title momentum

The script had it that when Leinster, with the strong wind behind them in the second half, started to ramp up pressure on Connacht with phase after phase as the clock counted down, we would end up with a 9-7 scoreline and a post-match where the home team were regretting not being able to hold out. The script was shredded. They held out. And as a packed Sportsground of 7,300 reminded us when referee Nigel Owens blew for the last time, Connacht are top of the league.