**It took 27 games over the course of 20 months but all-conquering Leinster were finally defeated in Guinness PRO14 action as Connacht triumphed at the RDS Arena.** After a remarkable 26 straight league wins, the reigning champs were handed a first domestic defeat since April 2019 – and a first home loss to a fellow Irish province since October 2014 – as Connacht produced a scintillating display to win 35-24. That shock result not only headlined Round 9 but blew the race for top spot in both conferences wide open as Ulster’s battling 15-10 victory over Munster – their tenth in a row to open the season – means they lead Leinster by ten points in Conference A, although the men in blue do have two games in hand. And Connacht are now only eight points behind leaders Munster in Conference B, with Scarlets one point further back following a 20-3 triumph over Dragons. The other Welsh derby saw Ospreys beat the Blues 17-3 in Cardiff, while Zebre ensured Benetton are still winless this season thanks to a 24-15 victory in Treviso and Edinburgh edged past Glasgow Warriors 10-7 at BT Murrayfield. If you missed any of the action, here are the key takeaways starting, of course, at the RDS. # Leinster 24-35 Connacht
