Fergus McFadden’s last kick of the match could signal the end of Cardiff Blues challenge for a Heineken Cup spot in next season’s campaign.
The Blues found themselves hanging on for a losing bonus point but Leinster centre McFadden banged over a penalty from halfway to deny the home side anything from the game. With the race for the three Welsh spots up for grabs intensifying by the minute, the Blues aren’t in a position to surrender points.
The Scarlets are now just two points off the Blues but have a game in hand as the battle for the third slot reaches its climax.
McFadden finished with a personal haul of 21 points, beginning the points scoring with a well worked try. He added the conversion, followed by a penalty.
Prop Gary Powell gave the Blues some hope when he dived over in the corner, before leaving the field on a stretcher with an Achilles injury.
Flanker Sam Warburton, released from Wales duty, edged the Blues closer when he pounced from close range. Blair finally succeeded with the conversion.
Forgotten Welsh wing Chris Czekaj put the home in front for the first time but the Blues were unable to consolidate. Hooker Bernard Jackman’s try gave McFadden a simple conversion.
Berne then dropped a goal which extended Leinster’s lead and robbed the Blues of a losing bonus point.
The Blues looked to have rescued a losing bonus point when Ceri Sweeney kicked a late penalty but with the last kick of the game McFadden rammed home the final nail into the coffin to bury the home side’s hopes of picking up something from the game.
