Leinster beats Ulster 29-21 to hit third in URC

Leinster secured a hard-fought 29-21 bonus-point victory over Ulster in a United Rugby Championship match at Affidea Stadium in Belfast on Friday night, leapfrogging their Irish rivals into third place in the standings with three rounds remaining before the playoffs.

The visitors dominated the opening period, building a 15-0 halftime lead through tries from James Culhane and Jimmy O'Brien, both converted by flyhalf Sam Prendergast, who also added a penalty. Leinster's defense stifled Ulster's usually potent attack, forcing errors in the lineout and scrum while capitalizing on their own set-piece strength. Early injuries compounded Ulster's struggles: prop Angus Bell departed after seven minutes with a leg issue after getting caught under a tackle, followed by center James Hume and tighthead Tom O'Toole later in the first half.

Leinster extended their advantage early in the second half, with Robbie Henshaw crashing over for a third try after strong carries from Culhane and Prendergast, followed by Prendergast's own bonus-point score under the posts. Prendergast converted three tries and his penalty, contributing 14 points in total. At 29-0 after 55 minutes, the game appeared...