Leinster produced an incredible comeback in the Champions Cup quarter final, but it was not enough to claw back a 19-point halftime deficit as Saracens ran out winners on a scoreline of 25-17.
It was an absolutely disastrous opening half for the Irish province, with ill-discipline at the breakdown costing them dearly as Saracens knocked over five penalties in the opening half.
That included two from Elliot Daly, with one coming from inside his own half.
Elliot Daly casually chipping over from inside his own half...#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/uftNLXplZh
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
The English side looked as though they landed the killer blow just before the interval, with Alex Goode running in their try to extend the lead even further.
Alex Goode and Duncan Taylor combine for a sensational @Saracens try! 🙌
What a way to end a near-perfect first-half performance!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/yWvTYKpb3E— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
The game seemed to be over at halftime, but Leinster made a huge push at the start of the second half.
Andrew Porter got their first try of the game in the 48th minute, bundling over from close range to make Leinster's pressure on the opposition line count.
They continued to turn the screw, with Jordan Larmour getting a huge try in the 62nd minute. He was the one to finish off a beautiful team move from the line-out, with Johnny Sexton knocking over the resulting conversion to reduce the deficit to seven points.
Jordan Larmour for @leinsterrugby! 👊
His first try for almost two years is a beauty!
What a game this is...#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/ipoW2NH8jJ— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
The momentum was with the Irish side, but they just couldn't finish the job.
Wow, @maroitoje 🙌
A clip that sums up @Saracens today!#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/6fFMGMHQ27— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) September 19, 2020
Alex Goode would miss a vital penalty in the 72nd minute that would have stretched Saracens' lead to eight points, with Daly missing another kick a few moments later.
However, they would not miss a third time. Alex Goode knocked over a kick in the 80th minute to make sure of the victory.
This means Saracens have reached a sixth Champions Cup quarter-final in the last seven years, with Leinster's season coming to a disappointing end.
See Also: Seven Years After Leaving Munster, Danny Barnes Is Happier Than Ever
