Lions feast on lackluster Leinster in Johannesburg

Leinster missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the United Rugby Championship after suffering a 44-12 defeat to Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park.

The province, who last week booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals after eliminating holders La Rochelle, had won 11 of their last 12 matches in the competition.

But, having made 13 changes, Leo Cullen's side were blown away inside the opening 15 minutes as three Lions tries put them on the way to a victory which significantly boosts their play-off hopes.

Leinster are now just one point clear of Glasgow with four rounds remaining while the Lions climbed into the top eight.

The Lions made a stunning start and grabbed the opening try inside 40 seconds as Richard Kriel and JC Pretorius combined to send Morne van den Berg in under the posts, with Sanele Nohamba converting before kicking a penalty seven minutes later.

The Lions take the lead v Leinster within 40 seconds.

Lions 7-0 Leinster