Pienaar puts Youngs in his place

Ruan Pienaar showed just why he is so highly regarded in Europe with another composed showing for Ulster, writes BRENTON CHELIN.

Pienaar has been below his best since returning from the knee injury suffered while on duty for the Boks, but on Saturday he hardly put a foot wrong.

Showing all the experience expected of a player capped 80 times at international level, Pienaar varied his play perfectly, while his tactical kicking made sure Ulster played the game in the right areas of the field.

His opposite number suffered a frustrating day. Easily marshalled by Ulster's well organised defence, Youngs was guilty of trying to force the play at times as Leicester went in search of tries. Barring one break midway through the second half, Youngs had very little impact on proceedings before being substituted in the 69th minute.

Photos: Bryn Lennon/Dan Mullan/Getty Images