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Leinster withstood a fierce onslaught from TOP14 leaders Lyon to grind out a hard-fought 13-6 Heineken Champions Cup win at the Stade de Gerland.<\/p>\nLeinster withstood a fierce onslaught from TOP14 leaders Lyon to grind out a hard-fought 13-6 Heineken Champions Cup win at the Stade de Gerland.<\/p>\n
The province played much of the game without the ball, but their defense was up to the challenge as they repelled their French opponent\u2019s powerful carriers.<\/p>\n
Leo Cullen\u2019s men scored the only try of the game through No 8 Max Deegan with Ireland ace Johnny Sexton kicking a conversion and two penalties on his second club appearance of the season.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Wisniewski booted two Lyon penalties as they took a losing bonus point.<\/p>\n
Sexton put the four-time European winners ahead from the tee after Lyon were penalized for a high tackle on center Garry Ringrose in midfield.<\/p>\n
Sexton had the opportunity to extend the lead after the hosts collapsed a maul from a line-out, but his penalty hit the left upright.<\/p>\n
A wayward French pass saw Leinster intercept and lock James Ryan burst away before being brought down inside Lyon\u2019s 22. Cullen\u2019s side refused to panic and recycled the ball for Deegan to score. Sexton converted.<\/p>\n
Visiting wing Jordan Larmour was sent to the sin bin for picking the ball up from Lyon\u2019s side of the ruck after Leinster had lost possession from their own put-in at a scrum.<\/p>\n
Despite long periods of possession inside Leinster\u2019s 22, the hosts were unable to make their pressure tell.<\/p>\n
Last season\u2019s finalists defended admirably despite conceding a couple of penalties under pressure to keep Lyon scoreless in a first half which ended with the clock in the 45th minute.<\/p>\n
Lyon had two thirds of the possession and territory, but found it difficult to break down a resilient and stubborn Leinster defense which stood strong.<\/p>\n
Leinster conceded consecutive penalties for collapsing the maul as Lyon forced their way into the 22 when the game resumed, but once again their defense made a crucial play.<\/p>\n
Cullen saw his pack force a turnover after the ball was unplayable on the ground.<\/p>\n
The visitors had to make almost twice as many tackles, but always appeared to be in control when Lyon had the ball in hand.<\/p>\n
Lyon finally got on the board when Wisniewski slotted a penalty in the 67th minute after Leinster infringed at the line-out.<\/p>\n
Sexton thought he had crossed for a game-winning try, but the score was chalked off after Ringrose was penalized for preventing a possible tackle.<\/p>\n
Referee Luke Pearce was playing a penalty advantage to Leinster, however, and Sexton kicked the penalty goal to extend his side\u2019s lead to 10.<\/p>\n
Wiesnewski slotted a late penalty to ensure Lyon took something from the game, but Leinster\u2019s impressive rearguard performance meant that was all they got.<\/p>\n