Leinster join European kings as Nacewa steps up

LEINSTER’S crusade to emulate Toulouse as four-time winners of the European Cup was realised at the San Mames Stadium as they stumbled to a dramatic, cliffhanger victory thanks to captain Isa Nacewa.

The Fijian winger stepped up to deliver the decisive blows at the end of a low-quality Champions Cup Final, which somehow delivered a heart-stopping climax. Nacewa took over kicking duties from Johnny Sexton and dispatched penalties in the 74th minute – to level the scores – and then with just a minute remaining, to snatch the title for the Dublin province. Remi Tales had a lastgasp drop goal but missed.

Remarkably, Leinster led for just that one minute of this encounter. Frankly, this was a triumph for their character, as it was a performance far below the levels they had produced earlier in the campaign. This was not remotely as compelling or convincing as their victories over Saracens or the Scarlets, or those in the course of their six-out-of-six return in the pool stage, but it was enough. Just enough.

Leinster had been the No 1 seeds going into the quarterfinals and this was a just result in terms of reflecting the entire European season, but for long periods Leinster were second best in this game. But they found a way to win, which is the mark of champion teams.

Shortly before kick-off came bad news for Racing and for the neutrals present as ex-All Black fly-half Dan Carter was ruled out of the match with a hamstring strain. A European title was the one remaining gap on the iconic playmaker’s CV, so his withdrawal would have been a shattering personal setback, in the latter stages of his decorated career.

Soon after the contest began, there was further trouble for the Parisians, as they lost No 10 Pat Lambie, who was hurt in a collision.

Three penalties apiece meant the scores were tied at 9-9 after 70 minutes.

Racing briefly re-took the lead through Teddy Iribaren’s fourth successful penalty but it was soon all square, as Nacewa landed Leinster’s next penalty.

Extra-time was beckoning but Nacewa had other ideas. He struck again and there was no way back for Racing.