While the opening exchanges saw some handling errors from both sides, it was Leinster who initially took advantage with a scrum penalty. They capitalised on the subsequent lineout, with Ruben Moloney making an incisive break, leading to a series of drives that culminated in Charlie Tector scoring the first try in the 5th minute, converted by Casper Gabriel, 7-0.
However, Ulster's scrum quickly asserted its dominance, providing a platform for Jonathan Scott and Lukas Kenny to make threatening inroads. A well-executed lineout take by Harry Sheridan set the stage for James McCormick to power over from the ensuing maul, bringing the score to 7-5 in the 11th minute.
The Ulstermen continued to apply pressure, and out-half Owen O’Kane confidently slotted a penalty from 35 metres, giving Ulster an 8-7 lead.
Leinster responded swiftly from the restart, forcing a penalty which they kicked to the corner. Despite an untidy lineout, Alex Soroka drove the attack forward, and a quick pass from Gabriel found Andrew Osborne, who set up Hugo McLaughlin for a try in the 19th minute, putting Leinster ahead once more, 12-8.
A superb kick from Gabriel pinned Ulster back with a lineout inside their 22, but a Leinster error relieved the immediate pressure. Leinster soon threatened again after a breakout involving Charlie Tector, Hugh Cooney, and Moloney led to a 5-metre scrum. Number eight Soroka gained crucial metres before Gabriel’s crossfield kick found Osborne for a try, extending Leinster’s lead to 17-8 on the half-hour mark.
Ulster nearly struck back immediately when Conor McKee’s chip ahead was brilliantly collected at full pace by Zac Ward. The left-wing looked certain to score but agonisingly lost control of the ball with the try line at his mercy.
Ward, however, soon redeemed himself. A dominant Ulster maul marched nearly 20 metres, creating space out wide for Ward to gather his own clever kick and score, reducing the deficit to 17-13 at half-time.
HALF-TIME: LEINSTER 17 – 13 ULSTER
Ulster carried their momentum into the second half, with their scrum and lineout providing a solid platform. Strong carries from Sheridan, Scott and Graham tested the Leinster defence. The Ulstermen then exploited the short side, with full-back Graham sending number eight Lorcan McLoughlin crashing over. O’Kane’s successful conversion put Ulster in front, 20-17, in the 45th minute.
The Ulster onslaught continued. Ward made a searing break through the midfield, and another powerful scrum display put Leinster under immense pressure. From the ensuing clean lineout, Josh Stevens drove over for a try, with O’Kane expertly slotting the touchline conversion in the 52nd minute to extend the lead to 27-17.
Leinster mounted a response, a counterattack initiated by Hugo McLaughlin from Gabriel’s pass led to Zac Ward being sin-binned for an infringement at the ruck. Leinster capitalised on their numerical advantage, employing their driving game effectively, which resulted in a try for lock Billy Corrigan, converted by Gabriel, to make it 27-24 in the 56th minute.
However, Ulster’s resolve held firm. An overthrown Leinster lineout was seized upon by Tom Brigg, who showed great awareness and support play to gather his own chip and finish off a crucial try. O’Kane’s conversion restored Ulster’s 10-point advantage.
Leinster sought a late comeback, an interception by Osborne and a crossfield kick from Connor Fahy to McLaughlin kept Leinster’s hopes alive, but Ulster’s defence stood resolute.
The dominance of the Ulster scrum was evident once again in the closing stages. Centre Wilhelm de Klerk made a telling break, though the final pass couldn’t find its mark.
Forced to play from deep, Leinster probed for openings but were met by a well-organised and determined Ulster defence that shut down any potential threats quickly and emphatically, securing a well-deserved 34-24 victory for the Ulstermen.
Scorers:
Leinster: C Tector, H McLaughlin, A Osborne, B Corrigan try each; C Gabriel 2 cons.
Ulster: J McCormick, Z Ward, L McLoughlin, J Stevens, T Brigg try each; O O’Kane pen, 3 cons.
Teams
Ulster 'A'
Ethan Graham; 14. Lukas Kenny, 13. Wilhelm de Klerk, 12. Jonathan Scott, 11. Zac Ward; 10. Owen O’Kane, 9. Conor McKee; 1. Jack Boal, 2. James McCormick, 3. Tom McAllister, 4. Harry Sheridan (Capt), 5. Charlie Irvine, 6. Marcus Rea, 7. Sean Reffell, 8. Lorcan McLoughlin.
Replacements: 16. Henry Walker, 17. Niall Carville, 18. Joe Mawhinney, 19. Matthew Dalton, 20. Tom Brigg, 21. Clarke Logan, 22. Conor Rankin, 23. Rory Telfer, 24. Josh Stevens
Leinster 'A'
Hugo McLaughlin (Lansdowne), 14. Andrew Osborne (UCD), 13. Hugh Cooney (Clontarf), 12. Charlie Tector (Lansdowne, Capt), 11. Ruben Moloney (UCD); 10. Caspar Gabriel (Terenure), 9. Cormac Foley (Lansdowne); 1. Gerry Cahir (Lansdowne), 2. Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley), 3. Andrew Sparrow (UCD), 4. Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley), 5. Mahon Ronan (Old Wesley), 6. David Walsh (Terenure), 7. Liam Molony (Lansdowne), 8. Alex Soroka (Clontarf).
Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy (UCD), 17. Adam Watchorn (Old Wesley), 18. Conor Kelly (Bective), 19. Donnacha McGuire (UCD), 20. Josh Ericson (Old Belvedere), 21. Andrew Doyle (Old Wesley), 22. Sam Wisniewski (Old Belvedere), 23. Connor Fahy (Clontarf), 24. Andre Ryan (Old Belvedere), 25. Charlie Molony (UCD).
Referee: J McNiece, IRFU.