Ruthless Leinster power into European final

AT times, it was like watching men against machines in Dublin.

The Scarlets may have won over hearts and minds with their passionate European crusade, but here rugby’s romance story was crushed with pneumatic efficiency.

Leinster’s dominance was unrelenting. Human error was all-but stripped from their game as the Irish clinically booked their place in next month’s Champions Cup final.

Whoever they face in Bilbao, Leinster will arrive as overwhelming favourites, since this performance would have overpowered most quality international sides.

Johnny Sexton called the shots like an NFL quarterback — before walking off after 60 minutes as his team-mates cruised to victory. The result was never in doubt.

It was another feather in the cap of the Irish system. Cooperation between club and country helped get Ireland’s star names fit for the Six Nations, while Joe Schmidt has clearly handed back in return some of his tricks which won a Grand Slam.

Scarlets took the lead through an early Leigh Halfpenny penalty but that was as close as they got.

Leinster went over five times, via James Ryan, Cian Healy, Fergus McFadden, Scott Fardy and the imperious Sexton, who added 13 points with his boot.

The Aviva Stadium was officially a ‘neutral’ venue but, a stone’s throw from Leinster’s home ground, it was anything but.

It was a long way from any Scarlet home comforts. They did snatch a consolation try in the final minute but, aptly, it was scored by ex-Leinster lock Tadhg Beirne.

It was just one of those days for the Welshmen.