It was the wrong call.
After being second best for the majority of their Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton yesterday, Leinster were given an out with a very kickable penalty with five minutes left, while they were three points down.
They chose to kick to the corner, but lost possession to Northampton soon after.
But their luck was in once more as they were given another out, this time with one minute to go.
Ross Byrne had grounded the ball after Alex Coles had ripped it loose from Josh van der Flier’s grasp, and referee Pierre Brousset decided to send the Northampton lock to the sin bin, and award Leinster a penalty.
While some felt that it should have been a penalty try, it was another opportunity to draw level.
Leinster opted for a tap and go, but would lost the ball in the first phase, in what was the game-winning play for the visitors.
After the game, head coach Leo Cullen offered his take on the decision.
He said: “It’s important, the players have a feel on the field, and they’re all-in there.
“They backed their bravery to go and win the game. It doesn’t come off, but everyone is a genius in hindsight.
“In the moments, these guys fancied it, and I’d fancy them 100%.”
