Leinster beat Toulon 29-25 to reach Champions Cup Final
Garry Ringrose was one of the try scorer for Leinster
©PA
Leinster 29-25 Toulon, Aviva Stadium
Leinster reached the Investec Champions Cup final after holding off a fierce Toulon comeback to win 29-25 at the Aviva Stadium.
In front of 38,555 supporters, Leo Cullen’s side scored four tries through Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose and Caelan Doris, before surviving a tense final spell.
Leinster Build First-Half Lead
Leinster started with good territory and struck first in the 14th minute. Jamison Gibson-Park delayed his pass cleverly, allowing Jack Conan to cut through the Toulon defence and score. Harry Byrne converted to make it 7-0.
Toulon replied through Melvyn Jaminet’s boot, with two penalties reducing the gap to 7-6. Leinster then found their second try after a smart tap penalty move. Doris released Van der Flier, who powered through to score. Byrne converted again to push Leinster 14-6 ahead.
Toulon hit back before halftime when Setariki Tuicuvu finished in the corner after Leinster were reduced to 13 men following yellow cards to Andrew Porter and Byrne. Jaminet missed the conversion, leaving Leinster 14-11 ahead at the break.
Leinster Pull Clear After The Restart
Leinster managed the early second-half pressure well and struck again through Ringrose, who gathered a difficult pass and finished smartly. Byrne added a penalty soon after to extend the lead to 22-11.
The hosts then appeared to take control when captain Caelan Doris powered over from close range in the 68th minute. Byrne converted, giving Leinster an 18-point lead at 29-11.
Toulon Fightback Falls Short
Toulon refused to fade. Baptiste Serin scored after a sharp dummy from close range, before Gaël Dréan finished a crossfield kick to cut the gap to 29-25 with four minutes remaining.
The French side pushed again late, but Leinster held their nerve. A loose Toulon pass ended a dangerous attack, and a late penalty allowed Leinster to close the match out.
When Byrne kicked the ball into touch, Leinster confirmed their place in another Champions Cup final.
