- Leinster beat Toulouse 41-22 on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin to secure a spot in the Heineken Champions Cup final
- Leinster will face either holders La Rochelle or Exeter as they target a fifth European title. The final will take place on May 20 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Leinster beat Toulouse 41-22 on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin to secure a spot in the Heineken Champions Cup final.
Jack Conan scored two tries and Dan Sheehan also crossed in the first half as Leinster showed dominance. Emmanuel Meafou scored for Toulouse but tries from Josh van der Flier and Jason Jenkins ensured Leinster booked their place in the final, which will take place on May 20. Jack Willis scored a late try for Toulouse but it was just a consolation.
Leinster beat Toulouse 41-22. Photo/ Planet Rugby.
Speaking after the match, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said it’s they are now shifting their attention to the next challenge, which is the Heineken Champions Cup final.
“The most pleasing thing is to be in a final because that’s what it’s all about. For us, it’s, ‘Right, that part of the job is done, now let’s turn our attention to what the next challenge is going to be'”. The Telegraph quotes Leinster head coach Leo Cullen.
Leinster will face either holders La Rochelle or Exeter as they target a fifth European title. The final will take place at Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
How The Game Unfolded
Leinster and Toulouse, who are arguably the two best teams in Europe, met for the second year running in the semis of Heineken Champions Cup. Once again, Leinster overpowered Toulouse to advance to the final.
Toulouse started the game well, enjoying freedom while moving the ball wide. However, things changed and it was now Leinster controlling the game. Jack Conan powered over from close range before throwing a casual dummy and going over the line four minutes later for his brace.
A loose pass by Toulouse then allowed Dan Sheehan to get a try, which was his team’s third in 10 frenetic first-half minutes. Emmanuel Meafou did a good job of keeping Toulouse in the game by his powerful finish. However, van der Flier’s power-packed lineout drive and crossing for the fourth left Toulouse with a mountain to climb. Byrne then curled over the conversion to give his side a 34-17 lead.
Jason Jenkins had his first try of the tournament later to make it impossible for Toulouse to bounce back. The 27-year-old fired over from close range. English flanker, Jack Willis, then gained some consolation from an 82nd-minute maul. Ross Byrne, who is filling in the gap for Johnny Sexton, kicked impeccably for 16 points in the match.
Jason Jenkins scores a try during the Heineken European Champions Cup semi-final match. Photo/ Planet Rugby.
Speaking after the match, Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola said his team paid the price for lack of discipline.
“Once again we have paid the high price because there was a lack of discipline. We were down to 14 men twice and the values of Leinster haven’t changed.” Ugo Mola said, as per The Telegraph.
La Rochelle, who are the reigning champions face Exeter on Sunday in the other semi-final of the Heineken Champions Cup.
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