Bernard Jackman praised Leinster for their ruthless display as they swept Connacht aside in to reach the Champions Cup Quarterfinals. After promising much, Leinster v Connacht was ultimately a very one-sided tie.
Heading into the eagerly anticipated second leg, the tie was firmly in the balance, with Connacht putting on a brave display as Leinster grinded to a 26-21 victory in the Sportsground.
However, after Leinster’s first try in the 10th minute, the result looked inevitable.
Four tries from James Lowe, combined with two tries from Robbie Henshaw, and tries from Jamison Gibson Park and Tadhg Furlong guided Leinster to a 56-20 on the day, and 82-41 victory on aggregate.
Leinster v Connacht: rout in the capital
He started the move, he'll finish the move ✨
Jamison Gibson-Park completes a scintillating @leinsterrugby score which started inside their own half.
Top class! 👏#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/rvIvuvsch6— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) April 15, 2022
Connacht scored second half consolation tries through Tiernan O’Halloran, Sammy Arnold and Abraham Papali’I.
Despite a promising start from Andy Friend’s side, with Jack Carty scoring a penalty in the opening two minutes, the result was never in doubt once Leinster scored their opening try through Gibson-Park.
Leinster were clinical in the first half, scoring four tries, through Gibson Park, Furlong, Henshaw and Lowe, as Connacht were unable to keep up with wave after wave of attack from Leinster.
They were also reduced to 14 men, when Bundee Aki was sent to the bin for a high challenge on Johnny Sexton.
Speaking on BT Sport at half time, Bernard Jackman claimed Leinster's ruthless attacking play was too much for Connacht.
“Leinster were angry, they weren’t happy with the performance last week and Leo Cullen decided it’s time to put on an exhibition.
"Leinster every time they get down here are absolutely ruthless. They are doing it through all different aspects, it’s an all-round performance.
"But they are being absolutely ruthless. They are just punching, punching, punching.”
Connacht showed positive signs in the second half, but the game was beyond them, especially having to play some of the game with 13 men.
Leinster will face the winners of Leicester Tigers v Clermont, with the English side leading 29-10.
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