Pro12 roundup: wins for Ulster, Leinster and Connacht

Defending champions Connacht continued their improvement after their poor start to the PRO12 season as they destroyed bottom club Treviso at the Sportsground.

Pat Lam's men secured a bonus point before the break courtesy of a pair of tries from Tom McCartney as well as one apiece from Daniel Poolman and Denis Buckley.

The hosts continued to dominate in the second period with John Cooney, Quinn Roux and Jack Carty adding further tries before they eased off late on and eventually allowed Vittorio Flammini grab a consolation score for the Italian team.

Treviso, who actually went ahead early on through an Ian McKinley penalty, remain without a win away from home in the competition in two years.

Connacht meanwhile remain in eighth position in the table but are gradually hauling themselves closer to the play-off spots.

An instrumental display from Ruan Pienaar helped Ulster to a 35-22 Guinness PRO12 win over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park.

The scrum-half converted five of his side’s tries after Stuart McCloskey, Chris Henry, Charles Piutau, Darren Cave and Kyle McCall respectively, went over for the Ulstermen.

Cardiff, who were in unconvincing form going into today’s tie, have now made it four defeats in five ties.

Despite Kristian Dacey, Alex Cuthert and Willis Halaholo scoring their tries, the class difference between the two teams was evident.

Steve Shingler scored a penalty to add to the Blue’s tally, with Nicky Robinson adding the two conversions for Danny Wilson’s side.

Leinster have pulled level with PRO12 leaders Munster with a superb 28-15 win over Newport Gwent Dragons in the RDS.

Peter Dooley, Ross Molony and Jack Conan went over for Leo Cullen’s side, who dominated much of the first-half with pace and power, and will stand the Blues well next week when they travel to the Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup.

Joey Carbery went over in the opening moments of the second-half to claim the winning bonus point for last year’s beaten finalists.

The Dragons did restore some pride later in the second half when Pat Howard and Sarel Pretorius reduced the deficit, but the damage was done for the Welsh outfit who now lie 9^th.

Leinster, and Cullen, will now divert their attention to next week’s Champions Cup game, but will have one eye on their crunch tie in the PRO12 against Munster on the 26^th of December in Thomond Park.

Photo/Gettyimages/Ramsey Cardy

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