In Pics: Leinster 16 Connacht 13

In Pics: Leinster 16 Connacht 13

Click here for photos from the Celtic League derby tie between Leinster and Connacht at Donnybrook.
Click here for photos from the Celtic League derby tie between Leinster and Connacht at Donnybrook.

Pictured above: Ireland winger Denis Hickie poses with a special commemorative jersey ahead of his 100th appearance for Leinster. Hickie failed to mark the occasion on Sunday with a try but Leinster still ran out winners over Connacht. Tongan centre Andrew Mailei scored a converted try on 76 minutes to worry Leinster late on, but fly half and stand-in captain Felipe Contepomi's earlier haul of a try, a conversion and three penalties.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika was critical of his side's overall display afterwards. The Australian said: "Results are one thing, performance another and that was not a good performance. It is hard to be upbeat about a display like that, even if we did win."

Leinster scrum half Guy Easterby is tackled to the ground by a combination of David Gannon and John Fogarty. Connacht coach Michael Bradley admitted afterwards: "We had the possession to win it, but we have to turn chances into scores. We didn't do that and we paid the price - it's disappointing."

Denis Hickie feels the force of a tackle from Connacht full-back Mark McHugh. Leinster's win moved them back up to third in the Celtic League table, making it an Irish 1-2-3 with Munster and Ulster (first) above them.

Connacht number 8 Colm Rigney wins lineout ball at Donnybrook.

Leinster full-back Girvan Dempsey is caught by Connacht's John Hearty. The westerners' centre was forced to retire late in the first half due to a facial injury.

Leinster hooker Brian Blaney takes on his opposite number John Fogarty.

Leinster's Kieran Lewis goes on a burst with Connacht pair Mark McHugh and John Muldoon tracking him.

**All photos by Billy Stickland of Inpho Photography**