Leinster end English mission for Euro glory

STUART LANCASTER’S Leinster extinguished English interest in the Champions Cup by inflicting a 30-19 defeat on reigning champions Saracens at the Aviva Stadium The Irish province and tournament top seeds will face Scarlets in the semi-finals at the same ground — most likely on Saturday, April 21 — after completing a conclusive victory in Dublin Ireland openside Dan Leavy was outstanding to pick up where he left off in the Grand Slam-clinching win at Twickenham a fortnight ago, crowning his performance with a terrific 47th-minute try that ultimately swept the match beyond Saracens’ reach Garry Ringrose and James Lowe also touched down to confirm Leinster’s dominance Saracens’ doggedness ensured they were never put to the sword and, trailing 13-12 at half-time, they had hope of continuing their quest for a record-equalling third successive European crown deeper into the knock-out phase But the Irish province raced out of the blocks in the second half and, in eight minutes, they had amassed ten points underpinned by a brilliantly worked try for Leavy, who combined with James Ryan close to the ruck to open up a hole that he galloped through A try for Blair Cowan in the 64th minute revived Saracens spirits, but Leinster simply refused to crack Champions Cup semi-final draw: Leinster v Scarlets (Aviva Stadium, Dublin), Racing 92 v Munster (Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux). Ties to be played April 20/21/22. Challenge Cup semi-final draw: Cardiff v Pau (Cardiff Arms Park), Gloucester v Newcastle (Kingsholm). Ties to be played April 20/21/22.