Defiant Leinster back in control

Leinster knew the script - win or bust - and against that backdrop here they mustered a defiance, a refusal to buckle that saw them carve out a 23-16 victory over the Sale Sharks. Their Heineken European Cup destiny is again in their hands as they sit atop Pool Three, writes John O'Sullivan.

That certainly wasn't a foregone conclusion on an afternoon when Leinster gave coach Gary Ella a few more grey hairs. They gifted Sale 13 early points, roared back into the contest with some marvellous rugby and grasped the initiative, only to nearly relinquish the victory - and the points - at the death.

Their goal-line stand in the closing minutes was nerve-shredding for supporters and team management, but crucially, the thin white line bent but never broke.

Ella wore the bemused look in the aftermath of a man who should be enjoying the moment but is trying to get his heartbeat under control. "What about that defence?" he ventured. "How many tackles did we make? That was a tremendous effort.

"We gave them some easy points, but in fairness we didn't panic. At half-time I just emphasised the need to stick to the gameplan, to keep the ball in hand and attack them through the 10-12 channel. I felt that if we did that then we'd win the game. In fairness the boys worked hard and we could have grabbed a few more scores.

"We had a few problems (at the lineout) but we maintained our composure."

Leinster's work ethic was exemplary, epitomised by captain Reggie Corrigan and taken up by every member of the pack. Keith Gleeson was outstanding, Brian O'Meara kicked well once again and Christian Warner shredded the Sale defence on occasion.

But the player who stood out was Gordon D'Arcy.Asked to fill the role vacated by the injured Brian O'Driscoll, the 23-year-old turned in a magnificent performance. Time and again he beat a succession of tacklers, and defensively he cut down the time and space the home side craved to play their wide game.

Ella laughed. "I thought Darce was absolutely brilliant. I was walking the touchline near the end when I heard them announce the man of the match. I was waiting to hear Gordon D'Arcy, although I've no problem with Reggie getting it," he smiled.

"We spoke about the fact that we were twice caught out last week because we were out of alignment. We didn't repeat it today."

D'Arcy shrugged off the bouquets with a smile. "I suppose I have to be happy with my first performance at outside centre in the cup. In fairness other players made it easy."

D'Arcy's performance will have given the watching Irish manager Brian O'Brien food for thought, not least with O'Driscoll rated doubtful for the opening Six Nations game in Paris.

Ella played down the injuries to Eric Miller (shoulder) and Victor Costello (bruised knee) which forced them to retire early. Both should be available for Friday night's game against Cardiff at Lansdowne Road. But forward Des Dillon must await a scan on a damaged shoulder joint and could be out for up to six weeks.