Leinster beat Munster to win fourth straight PRO14 title

Leinster beat Irish provincial rivals Munster 16-6 on Saturday to win a fourth consecutive PRO14 title.

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Leo Cullen’s side were unable make the most of their pressure in the first half at the RDS Arena and the sides were level at 6-6 at the break.

But a converted try from Jack Conan helped the defending champions pull clear in the second half.

Munster, who were last champions in 2011, were forced to play much of the match in their own half and could only muster two penalties from Joey Carbery.

It was a painful defeat for Munster in their rivalry with eight-time champions Leinster, who have won the past six meetings between the sides.

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Leinster imposed themselves early and took the lead with an early Ross Byrne penalty.

Jordan Larmour – one of several Ireland stars back from Six Nations duty – spilled a pass on the right wing as the hosts squandered an opportunity for the game’s first try, but things were looking ominous for Munster.

Byrne scored another penalty to put Leinster 6-0 in front, but Carbery halved the deficit with Munster’s first chance to get on the scoreboard.

Carbery pulled them level with the last kick of the half.

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Conan scored the only try of the match early in the second half after burrowing for the line from close range.

Byrne added the extras and the loss of captain Peter O’Mahony to injury compounded  Munster’s problems.

Flyhalf Byrne looked to be struggling with a knock as he missed his next attempt, but he was back on form to open up a 10-point advantage that proved to be the final winning margin.

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