Lions out-classed by merciless Leinster in United Rugby Championship quarter-final

The result secured a home semi-final against the Stormers next weekend.

Still smarting from their recent Champions Cup disappointment, Leinster responded emphatically with a dominant performance against a Lions side appearing in the URC playoffs for the first time in their history.

The Irish giants raced into a 14-0 lead inside the opening 14 minutes. Hooker Dan Sheehan crossed first after a long pass found him unmarked on the wing, with flyhalf Sam Prendergast adding the conversion.

Prendergast then created Leinster's second try, sending Hugo Keenan through a gap before converting once more.

Although the Lions showed determination in defence and found success in the scrum, uncharacteristic mistakes and an inconsistent kicking game repeatedly handed momentum to the hosts.

The visitors briefly gained hope in the 35th minute when Leinster prop Tom Clarkson was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on scrumhalf Nico Steyn.

From the resulting lineout and maul, centre Henco van Wyk powered over for the Lions' opening try, although Chris Smith's conversion attempt struck the post.

Leinster responded immediately, however, with lock James Ryan scoring on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a 21-5 advantage at the interval.

Despite still being reduced to 14 men, Leinster struck again shortly after the restart through Scott Penney before Prendergast benefited from a fortunate rebound off Max Deegan's shoulder to score and make it 33-5.

A yellow card for Lions fullback Quan Horn in the 53rd minute further compounded the visitors' problems, with replacement hooker Gus McCarthy crossing soon afterwards.

Van Wyk grabbed his second try following excellent work from replacement scrumhalf Haashim Pead, but Leinster finished strongly. Jimmy O'Brien and James Lowe both crossed, with Prendergast converting from the touchline.

Lowe then scored again on the final hooter, extending his club try-scoring record as Leinster sealed a commanding 59-10 victory. 

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