O’Driscoll, who tore his hamstring in Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations defeat to Wales in March, was part of the side that went down 15-13 at Murrayfield.

The Dubliners were seeking the bonus point triumph to tie up the championship but they suffered a repeat of their European Cup defeat.

Edinburgh had gone into battle on the back of hammerings at the hands of Glasgow and Cardiff which wrecked their own title dreams.

However, they rediscovered their form to force Leinster to keep their champagne on ice.

But they had luck on their side as Felipe Contepomi’s last-gasp penalty hit the post.

Both teams made a predictably jittery start with basic handling mistakes dominating the early exchanges.

Leinster launched the first telling raid and Argentinian Contepomi broke the deadlock with a confidently-struck penalty in the seventh minute.

Edinburgh’s reply was powerful and potent as they surged in front, thanks to a fine touchdown by fit-again hooker Ross Ford.

The Scotland star was in the right place at the right time out wide to finish off a slick handling move.

And Phil Godman slotted the tricky conversion, giving the Gunners a potentially solid platform.

Gunners carved out further opportunities, but it was the Irish side who got the scoreboard clicking again as Contepomi doubled his penalty tally.

However, it took Edinburgh only two minutes to restore their advantage through the boot of Godman.

There was a setback for the Scots in stoppage time, however, as skipper Ally Hogg was yellow-carded for a professional foul.

Leinster stepped up the pace going into the final half hour but still the Gunners markers were holding firm.

And having soaked up the pressure they delivered the killer blow when flanker Dave Callam galloped through for the second try.

Luke Fitzgerald revived Leinster’s prospects with a pack-drive touchdown, goaled by Contepomi.

Then came high drama deep in stoppage time as the Gunners were penalised for handling on the deck, leaving Contepomi with a simple strike which crashed back off the woodwork.