Munster and Leinster both recorded wins in the Guinness PRO14 on Saturday evening to see them both top of their respective conferences.
Munster beat Benetton 18-16 in dramatic fashion in Treviso.
Tries from Darren Sweetnam and Niall Scannell saw Munster race into an early 12-0 lead with Ben Healy kicking one of the two conversions as well as a penalty.
The hosts responded with two penalties and a try to see them trail by just a point 12-11 at the break.
The Italians then looked to be on course to record their first league win since December 2019 when they led 16-15 as the clock hit 80 minutes before JJ Hanrahan scored a last-minute drop goal to seal the win for Johann van Graan's side.
“IT’S HANRAHAN, DROP AT GOAL TO WIN IT.....”#BENvMUN #SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 30, 2021
With the victory, they sit 15 points clear at the top of Conference B.
Elsewhere, proceedings weren't quite as dramatic at Parc y Scarlets where Leinster hammered Scarlets 52-25 to leapfrog Ulster to return to the top of Conference A.
The hosts went 3-0 ahead in the third minute with a penalty.
Thirteen minutes later Dan Leavy got Leinster onto the scoreboard with their first try and they never looked back.
James Treacy and Cian Kelleher also went over the line and they lead 31-13 at the break.
Harry Byrne kicked two conversions and a penalty as well in the opening 40 minutes.
There was no fear of Leo Cullen's side easing up on the intensity after the restart either.
Captain Luke McGrath, Max O'Reilly and David Hawkshaw went over to secure the bonus point for the reigning champions with Harry Byrne sending the three conversions through the posts, bringing his total for the night to 17 points.
Great to see this man back out there! 💪🔵 @tadhgfurlong 🙌#SCAvLEI #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/lVHuYMbv9x
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 30, 2021
Tadhg Furlong proved he's ready and waiting to feature in the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.
He returned from injury for his first game in 11 months and the tighthead prop was impressive before being replaced at the break after getting some much-needed game time before Andy Farrell announces his squad for Ireland's opening game against Wales next weekend.
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