EASTER STUN DAY

Champions left with egg on their faces as Blues power on

IT was Blue murder at the Aviva as Leinster powered into the semi-finals at the expense of the back-to-back champions.

Leo Cullen’s side racked up a three tries to one victory over Saracens to underline their favourites’ tag as they bid to land their fourth title in Europe’s elite club competition.

There was only one point in it at half-time when Leinster led 13-12, having made 40 tackles more than Sarries and it also got a little fraught towards the end.

Blair Cowan’s converted 65th-minute try left eight points between the sides before Devin Toner’s yellow reduced the province to 14 men for the last five minutes as Sarries threw the kitchen sink at it.

But a rip-roaring start combined with a superb third quarter added up to a deserved Leinster win – and another ‘home’ tie in the last four against the Scarlets.

Not bad considering over half the side hadn’t played in blue since the pool stages ended in January – they had Grand Slam-winning commitments instead. But there were a host of excellent Leinster performances, led by try-scoring openside Dan Leavy.

“Dan was outstanding,” said Cullen. “He was very strong in the carry, he was in the thick of everything. A number of guys were as well but Dan was very good. It’s just him getting a run of games. He’s worked hard to fight his way through. If it’s very easy for them, or handed to them on a plate, it’s not necessarily better for their longerterm development.”

James Ryan also had another barnstorming game. After 19 outings as a pro, he’s still to experience a defeat for either Leinster or Ireland.

And Garry Ringrose, the first try scorer, continues to grow in stature with every big game he plays in.

Sarries choked the life out of Munster in last year’s semi-final at Lansdowne Road and they targeted Johnny Sexton here, with Maro Itoje, Richard Wigglesworth and George Kruis catching him in the opening period. Sexton’s frustration showed when he kicked the ball away before a restart from his own successful penalty in the 33rd minute.

“It was tough for Johnny because he got played off the ball a couple of times in the first half,” said Cullen. “It was tough for him not to get frustrated. There were three or four instances he’s been hit off the ball.”

But Leinster couldn’t have asked for a better start when Ringrose scored in the fourth minute.

James Lowe superbly combined down the left with Isa Nacewa, who released his centre partner Ringrose in open space.

Sarries were stung into action, with Leinster absorbing serious pressure before Owen Farrell’s 12th minute penalty – caused by Sexton straying offside.

Farrell repeated the trick four minutes later when Ringrose was pinged, before Sexton made it 10-6 after 21 minutes. Sexton added another kick and Farrell two to leave it 13-12 at the break.

Crucially Leinster had held out on the stroke of half-time, Ryan’s lineout steal denying the Premiership side a try.

Lifted by that escape, the Blues took control. Sexton slotted over from just inside Saracens’ half when Cian Healy was caught high by Nick Isiekwe.

Then Ringrose kicked into the corner, ratcheting up the pressure – and Sarries cracked in the 47th minute.

Leavy’s give and go with Ryan created a massive hole and the flanker raced in under the posts.

The Blues were rampant and a Sexton break saw James Lowe shoved over for a try by his team-mates in the 58th minute.

This time Fergus Mcfadden scored the conversion and Leinster were 18 ahead with 20 minutes remaining.

Sarries needed a lifeline and replacement Cowan provided it on 65 minutes as Sarries’ lineout drive powered over.

When Toner stuck out a boot in the ruck to prevent a pass he was destined for the sin-bin but Sarries couldn’t land another blow and Leinster march on.

Dan’s worked hard to fight his way into this team

CULLEN ON LEAVY