Round-Up: Gloucester head for exit in glorious style
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leinster snatched a bonus point in the 11th minute of injury time against Gloucester last night to give them an outside chance of a home draw in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals.
In a thrilling clash at Kingsholm, the Irishmen could not contain the home side in the second half and drifted to a 19-10 deficit before Gloucester infringed at a ruck, allowing Felipe Contepomi to capitalise.
But Gloucester had done what head coach Dean Ryan required. After losing their first three games in Pool Two, Ryan wanted a performance to provide a springboard for their Guinness Premiership campaign.
Gloucester's pack rumbled towards the line from a series of early line-outs but all they got for their efforts was a penalty - however, Willie Walker clipped the post with his kick.
Gloucester regrouped and after Jack Adams' charge to the line was halted, Brian O'Driscoll stuck his hands into the ruck and the Irish captain was sinbinned.
With a man over, Gloucester's pack powered over the whitewash and referee Nigel Owens awarded the penalty try when Leinster hauled the maul down. Walker converted.
Gloucester were reduced to 14 men after Peter Richards gave Owens a piece of his mind and was sinbinned, with O'Driscoll returning to the fray - he quickly made his presence felt, touching down seven minutes before the interval. Contepomi converted to level it up.
In the second half, Contepomi slotted a penalty to put Leinster in front but Gloucester hit back when replacement prop Christian Califano went over. Gloucester were soon back in Leinster's 22 and Mark Foster slid over in the 74th minute. Lamb converted before the injury-time drama.
Edinburgh suffered more Heineken Cup misery as their campaign ended in a 19-7 defeat to Agen at Murrayfield last night.
Bristol's hopes of topping Pool One in the European Challenge Cup were dashed despite a comfortable home win over Bucharest. With Newport-Gwent Dragons winning 29-15 away to Bayonne, the Premiership leaders finished as one of the best runners-up to qualify for a quarter-final place after a 33-19 win.
In Pool Two, Glasgow reached the quarter-finals of a European tournament for the first time thanks to a 6-6 draw at home to Saracens, who earned a home quarter-final tie.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments