A PENALTY with the final kick of the match denied the Scarlets a share of the spoils after a gutsy display at the RDS in Dublin on Friday night.

Ireland international Fergus McFadden slotted over to break the Scarlets' hearts after a resilient defensive performance against the league leaders.

A losing bonus point was the least the West Walians deserved, but after appearing to stem a ferocious final onslaught to claim the draw, a crucial infringement in the final minute cost them dear.

The Scarlets made six changes from the side beaten at Glasgow last week, with Stephen Jones among four of Warren Gatland's squad released, while No. 8 Ben Morgan was allowed back to the region from England and took his place among the replacements.

With a strong, swirling wind in their favour, the Scarlets started impressively, keeping the ball in hand and stretching the home defence.

Their early reward was a penalty by Jones after an infringement at the breakdown by Ireland international Sean Cronin.

Leinster's response was immediate, though, with another of their Six Nations representatives Fergus McFadden levelling matters after a scything midfield break from Fion Carr — once a Scarlets target.

Jones was just short with a long-range effort, then it needed some resilient defence from the Scarlets to deny Leinster the first try of the match.

Flanker Josh Turnbull did well to hold up prop Jack McGrath over the line, then a dangerous line-out catch and drive was halted by the visiting eight.

Both sides were being frustrated at the breakdown, with a string of turnovers putting a brake on positive movements

But a fine passage of play from the Scarlets saw them cross on 24 minutes.

Prop Deacon Manu caught Leinster unawares breaking clear from a ruck; the Fijian skipper expertly fed flanker Johnathan Edwards, who handed on to Dan Newton. The full-back still had a bit to do 20 metres out but showed a good turn of pace to cross by the posts.

Jones converted, and although Leinster pressed in the closing stages of the half, the West Walians were able to turn around 10-3 to the good.

The Scarlets made a disastrous start to the second half.

They coughed up possession from the kick-off, then allowed McFadden to step inside the midfield cover and touch down.

The centre's successful conversion levelled the scores and it appeared to be the cue for Leinster to take control.

But the Scarlets, with Johnathan Edwards leading a spirited forward effort, kept fighting.

Newton put them ahead on 56 minutes before McFadden tied things up again two minutes later.

As Leinster poured forward in the closing minutes, their chance of a 12th straight victory appeared gone when McFadden pushed a penalty wide five minutes from time.

But he made amends in the final dramatic moments to deny the Scarlets a draw.