Leinster are through to the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals after a thrilling win against Exeter. Jordan Larmour scored a belter of a try with 25 minutes left that ultimately led to the winning of the game for Leinster.
Leinster faced a daunting task in the quarters, as they were drawn away to last year's winners Exeter. Exeter also took the English Premiership title last season, so Leinster could hardly have faced a tougher draw in their quest to reach yet another semi-final.
It couldn't have started worse for Leo Cullen's men, as Exeter had two tries and a 14-0 lead within the first ten minutes. Leinster's tackling was suspect for both, with Jonny Sexton and Hugo Keenan allowing Tom O'Flaherty to break through their tackles for the first try.
The ideal start for @ExeterChiefs!
The in-form Tom O'Flaherty breaks the tackle and catches Leinster cold.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/gAcCS1YEOS— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 10, 2021
James Lowe pulled a try back after 17 minutes, before Leinster lost Jonny Sexton through a head injury just before the half-hour mark. Sexton's injury will be a concern for Irish fans, given it is his third head injury since the start of the Six Nations.
Incredibly, Leinster had not only tied up the game but were 6 points ahead at half-time after a Jordan Larmour try and two penalties from Ross Byrne put them 20-14 ahead at the break.
Exeter started the second half exactly as they did the first, with David Ewers finishing off a try in the corner. The sides traded penalties before a stunning moment of skill.
Jordan Larmour has long been one of the best players to watch in Ireland - the epitome of the kind of flashy rugby player you love to watch at full throttle. He gave another example of that today, as he added to his first-half try with a frankly ridiculous finish.
Under pressure from three Exeter defenders, he spun through the tackle and touched down in the corner with only a few inches between him and the touchline. It was a brilliant try and capped off a super attacking performance from Leinster.
The strength from Jordan Larmour!
The wing somehow manages to ground the ball for a crucial score for @leinsterrugby. #HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/wWfMOP6cO8— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 10, 2021
The remainder of the game was a tactical bout, with Leinster's defensive play improving. They were denied a late try for Rory O'Loughlin by the TMO - who spent the game attempting to get a word in edgeways with referee Matthieu Raynal.
Raynal's TMO twice tried to convince him that Exeter players should have been at least sin-binned for high tackles - and both times fell on deaf ears.
There was nothing that could spoil Leinster's day, though, as they were magnificent in defeating the best team left in the competition. Given they will not have to contend with Exeter or Saracens from here on out, they are now comfortably in place as the favourites for the Champions Cup crown.
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