Leinster thump ill-disciplined Toulouse to book Champions Cup final spot

Leinster ruthlessly exposed Toulouse's poor discipline as they romped to a 41-22 win in their Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, ensuring back-to-back appearances in the showpiece match in European rugby’s top club competition.

Two yellow cards cost the French side as they conceded 28 points when down to 14 men, unable to cope with the canny flair and forward power of a Leinster side that had a man advantage for 20 minutes and a roaring crowd behind them.

Number eight Jack Conan bagged two tries to go with scores from hooker Dan Sheehan, flanker Josh van der Flier and replacement loose-forward Jason Jenkins, with four of those tries coming when Toulouse were a man down.

Centre Pita Ahki, lock Emmanuel Meafou and flanker Jack Willis crossed for the record five-time champion visitors, who lost 40-17 to Leinster at the same venue in last season’s semis and were hit by a bout of deja vu much of their own making.

Leinster, made up almost entirely of players who helped Ireland to the Six Nations title this year, now await the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final in France between La Rochelle and Exeter Chiefs.

Leinster, who have four Champions Cup titles, were beaten 24-21 by La Rochelle in last season’s final. This time it will be hosted at their Aviva Stadium home on May 20, giving them an enormous advantage.

"We are absolutely delighted. It was the toughest game we have played all season," Leinster captain James Ryan told BT Sport. "Just defensively it is such a challenge playing Toulouse as they are probably the best attacking side in Europe.

"I thought we managed the game well and during those periods when they got those yellow cards. We are happy enough but the job is far from done yet. There is