Leinster defeat reigning champions in quarter-final
Exeter Chiefs’ dreams of a ‘double-double’ are over as Leinster remain on track for a record fifth European Champions Cup title.
Leo Cullen's side overturned a 14-point deficit to defeat the reigning European champions 22-34 at Sandy Park and progress into the semi-final.
The Pro14 champions, now unbeaten in their last 8 European away games, will find out who they’ll face in the semi-final draw tomorrow evening (17:00).
In sunny conditions at Sandy Park, the hosts, playing in their sparkling gold kit, started superbly against their Irish opponents.
Within just ten minutes, Chiefs’ in-form winger Tom O’Flaherty bagged two early tries to catapult Exeter off to a sensational start; captain Joe Simmonds comfortably slotted both conversions.
The ideal start for @ExeterChiefs!
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 10, 2021
The in-form Tom O'Flaherty breaks the tackle and catches Leinster cold.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/gAcCS1YEOS
However, the visitors responded exquisitely, and they eventually went through the gears to level proceedings with two converted tries before the half hour mark.
A confident looking Leinster outfit then took the lead soon after, thanks to two penalty kicks from Ross Bryne; Exeter trailed 14-20 at the break.
The reigning European champions turned up the heat early in the second half.
Another fine 20-metre break from O’Flaherty put Exeter within touching distance of Leinster’s try line – and from short range, Dave Ewers powered his way over for a crucial score. Simmonds missed the extras, but he slotted a penalty kick soon after to give his side a slender lead.
But Leinster dominated the rest of the game, yet again, they regained the lead thanks to another three points from Bryne.
The four-time European champions then landed another huge blow as Larmour dotted the ball down in the corner, before Bryne added three more points with the boot.
A valid effort from the Chiefs – but they were unable to overturn the 12-point deficit. It ended: Exeter 22 Leinster 34
The strength from Jordan Larmour!
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 10, 2021
The wing somehow manages to ground the ball for a crucial score for @leinsterrugby. #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/wWfMOP6cO8
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