There was high drama in both games on either side of the Irish Sea. In a packed Donnybrook, it seemed that Leinster would survive a mauling and hold onto their long, proud, unbeaten home record when Brian O'Meara added the points to a Keith Gleeson try to tie the game 23-23. However, just as he had done in the opening game against Borders, McHugh stroked over an injury time penalty to snatch the spoils, 26-23.

In Edinburgh, Munster trailed the home side 21-18 as the game approached the final moments of normal time. Then Munster launched one last effort. They kicked for position when a penalty shot at goals looked the better option. From the lineout they mauled their way to the line, then spun the ball wide for Henderson to crash over to the right of the posts. Jeremy Staunton added the points (25-25) and then kicked his seventh penalty of the night for a 28-21 victory.