Wind and rain did not spoil the party but Ulster's David Humphreys had his afternoon cut short with a fifth-minute shoulder injury. It did not prove too much of a hindrance to the Magners League leaders though as Humphreys' replacement Paddy Wallace slotted three penalties and a drop-goal before the interval.

Leinster's only reply came from Denis Hickie's try - his fifth in 10 league games - although they should have scored before that when Simon Keogh knocked on over the line under Andrew Trimble's challenge.

Jonathan Sexton landed a penalty six minutes into the second half as the hosts began their fightback, and though Hickie was sinbinned Leinster scored again through replacement Owen Finegan, converted by Felipe Contepomi.

This gave Leinster a lead they would not relinquish, and the capacity crowd had the added satisfaction of seeing Ulster denied a bonus point thanks to Jamie Heaslip's 77th minute effort.