Connacht (7) 27
Tries: Tuohy, Swift, Nathan Con: Nikora 2, Keatley Pens: Keatley Drop Goals: Nikora
Leinster (0) 13
Tries: Penalty try Con: Berne Pens: Berne 2

Simon Keogh is tackled by Connacht pair Conor O'Loughlin and Brian Tuohy

Connacht boosted their chances of Heineken Cup qualification following a surprise victory over the Magners League leaders in Galway.

Leinster dominated the first half but Connacht were superb in defence and a 35th minute try from Brian Tuohy gave them a 7-0 lead at the break.

The hosts surged clear after tries from Michael Swift and Troy Nathan.

A penalty try gave Leinster hope but Connacht eased to victory and moved off bottom spot.

Leinster made two late changes in their backs with Simon Keogh coming in for Isa Nacewa and Kyle Tonetti replacing Eoin O'Malley.

Connacht forced the pace in the early stages and only Nathan's wayward pass denied them an almost certain try.

However, the visitors were soon in control although Leinster failed to capitalise on a 25-minute spell of constant pressure, thanks to a combination of resolute defending and handling errors.

Stanley Wright went closest for Leinster, the prop inches away from touching down on 21 minutes.

Connacht finally broke into the opposition half five minutes before the break and they made the most of the rare opportunty.

An excellent move ended with Fionn Carr's off-load sending Tuohy sprinting over for the try.

Connacht lock Michael Swift runs in for his try at the Sportsground

Miah Nikora converted but he pulled a penalty attempt wide seconds before half-time.

Leinster coach Michael Chieka brought on the fresh legs of Jamie Heaslip and Cian Healy the second half.

Shaun Berne registered Leinster's first score with a 42nd minute penalty but Connacht hit back quickly with an excellent Nikora drop goal.

Another five attacking move led to Connacht's second try after 49 minutes, with the unmarked Swift sprinting down the line and diving in at the corner.

Nikora converted to make it 17-3 while Berne needed a kind bounce off a post to reduce the gap with a penalty.

Nathan spotted a gap at the breakdown and galloped between the posts for another Connacht try after 64 minutes, with Ian Keatley converting.

Connacht replacement Johnny O'Connor was sinbinned three minutes later for playing the ball on the ground.

Leinster gave themselves hope when Berne converted a penalty try, awarded after Connacht pulled down a scrum close to their line.

Keatley sealed a deserved victory for Connacht with a penalty seven minutes for time.

Connacht are now level on 26 points with Ulster - the two sides are vying for the third and final Heineken Cup spot for Irish teams and they meet in the final game of the season at Ravenhill.

Leinster still require three points to secure a home semi-final in the Magners League play-offs and they are quickly back in action against the Glasgow Warriors on Friday.

Connacht: G Duffy, B Tuohy, T Nathan, Aidan Wynne, F Carr, M Nikora, C O'Loughlin, R Loughney, S Cronin, R Morris, M Swifts, M McCarthy, J Muldoon (capt), M McComish, G Naoupu.
Replacements: Keatley for Nikora (61), Campbell for O'Loughlin (39), Wilkinson for Loughney (71), Flavin for Cronin (61), Browne for Swift (69), Upton for McCarthy (64), O'Connor for McComish (60).

Leinster: G Demspey, A Conway, B O'Driscoll, K Tonetti, Simon Keogh, S Berne, E Reddan, S Wright, R Strauss, CJ van der Linde, N Hines, M O'Kelly, K McLaughlin, S Jennings (capt), Stephen Keogh.
Replacements: Madigan for Dempsey (47), O'Malley for Tonetti (40), Fogarty for Strauss (53), C Healy for van der Linde (40), Cullen for O'Kelly (53), Heaslip for McLaughlin (40).
Not Used: O'Donohoe.

Att: 4,000

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)

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