Leinster Lions 56 Gwent Dragons 39
The 66th minute sin-binning of Wales hooker Steve Jones proved crucial as the Celtic League title-chasing Dragons were overhauled by the Leinster Lions at Lansdowne Road, as the sides shared 12 tries in coach Mike Ruddock's final game in charge.
Jones walked for an infringement on Leinster scrum-half Brian O'Meara, who kicked 21 points, with the Welsh leading 39-35. Seconds later lock Malcolm O'Kelly stretched over for his second of the night and a lead that Gary Ella's men failed to relinquish, with O'Meara converting the try.
An incredible first half, that saw seven tries and 54 points, went the visitors' way as centre Percy Montgomery inspired an almost sevens-like approach to the game. The Dragons scorched to a 29-25 half-time lead with the Springbok kicking all bar Craig Warlow's 19th minute charge down effort.
Leinster's first win in four games looked unlikely in the early skirmishes as Dragons' number eight Michael Owen put back row partner Jason Forster over after five and a half minutes.
Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll, earning his 50th cap, moved a lovely left wing switch with Felipe Contepomi to cross in the corner for an immediate reply.
O'Meara missed the conversion and was paying the price as, having gained a quick lead through O'Kelly's first on 12 minutes, the Dragons' assumed a 19-12 lead by the half's midpoint.
First Ben Breeze was put over in the left corner by lock Peter Sidoli on the quarter hour and then Warlow charged down Girvan Dempsey to slide gleefully over.
Prop Chris Anthony was an unlikely scorer on 27 minutes as the visitors moved into a 29-12 lead thanks to Montgomery's conversion and penalty. But the Lions regained their composure towards the break with two O'Meara penalties and his conversion of James Norton's 39th minute try.
The Dragons' half-time lead was cemented further as, with Leinster number eight Victor Costello yellow-carded, Sidoli was sent clean through as Jamie Ringer took in two tackles after nine minutes.
Norton picked up a bonus point for Leinster with his second on the hour mark, converted by O'Meara. But there was more to follow as the Irish province looked inspired in manager Ken Ging's final game. Warlow clipped over his first penalty, with Montgomery subbed with injury, to regain the lead. But with Jones off the field, the Welsh were torn apart.
Tries followed for Norton, Contepomi and an injury time clincher for flanker Niall Ronan as Leinster ended their barren run and Ruddock left his post to take over as Wales coach on the back of a defeat.