Leinster booked their place in the PRO14 final courtesy of a 16-15 win over Munster at the RDS in Dublin.
Here, we take a look at some major takeaways from the contest.
Physical Irish derby
The Leinster-Munster rivalry may have been running out of steam in recent years, but this match was a war of attrition.
Although Munster were beaten, their style of play could be a template for next season if they can reduce the error count. They showed that if every player reaches the required intensity no team, not even Leinster with their superior squad depth, will easily beat them.
It was an incredible contest and had everything from big hits, strong defences, tries and some back-line flair.
A definite template to build up excitement for future fixtures in the competition next season.
Leinster clinical
The home side were well-structured and efficient in attack all afternoon and their defence remained resolute anytime Munster came bounding into their half.
The Blues may not have performed to their full potential, but still carried well, their ideas in attack and defence were accurate and they got over the gain line easily.
A mix of youth and experience served the winners well, with Garry Ringrose stepping up superbly in the coveted 13 shirt in the absence of injured Robbie Henshaw.
Leinster may have only crossed the white wash once all afternoon, but poured into space and showed sharpness with ball in hand.
In contrast, Munster defensive line was poor – and they made too many unforced errors.
Lethal Lowe
One of the most exciting players to watch in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment.
The Kiwi winger produced an attacking masterclass against Munster and his ability to offload out of the tackle is always a key point of difference to Leinster.
His standout moment early on was a sumptuous offload to pave the way for Jack Conan’s opening try after eight minutes.
He was also unlucky not to get on the scoreboard when chopped down by Sammy Arnold close to the line midway through the first half.
Unfortunate to be left out of Leinster’s Champions Cup win, Lowe’s attacking and defensive prowess will be key to the Blues prospects next season in the absence of retiring captain Isa Nacewa.
Munster misfortunes
Munster dominated territory but there were too many unforced errors in attack.
Johann van Graan’s side didn’t let themselves down physically or tactically, but it was their inaccuracy in execution that hurt them.
The Red Army threw these big loopy passes out wide, which most often or not, went forward. That was the killer for them.
In contrast, if they held on to the ball and went through the phases and stayed patient, they could have opted for a different route to break down the Leinster defence.
Showed great drive to threaten Leinster’s line, but their mistakes made Leinster look the better team.
Record keeps going
22 not out.
At just 21, totemic lock James Ryan is yet to lose a professional game in his 22 outings for club and country, but aside from that, he is already one of the best players in the world at the moment.
His voracious workrate makes him one of the central figures in the Leinster pack, coupled with his ability to pass and make breaks, which is a testament to the 15-man game Leinster are implementing.
He may not make the metres like other forwards, but he is constantly in the right place at the right time to deny opposition players from breaking through.
Well refereed
Stuart Berry let this game flow and if there was a 50/50 call he would always keep the game going.
The South African performed superbly, a vast contrast last Saturday’s European final where Wayne Barnes blew the whistle at every opportunity to spoil an open contest.
Even when Berry did make a decision, he always played it out to its fullest and let the advantage flow.
He showed a fantastic attitude towards a demanding game.
