Johnny Sexton the star and other takeaways as Leinster book place in Champions Cup final

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  • Leinster have reached the European Champions Cup final with a comprehensive 38-16 victory over Scarlets.

    Johnny Sexton scored one of his side’s five tries and added 13 points with the boot to book a place against either Racing or Munster in the final.

    James Ryan, Cian Healy, Fergus McFadden and Scott Fardy scored the Irish side’s other tries, while Tadgh Beirne crossed for Scarlets’ sole score.

    Here, we take a look at some of the main takeaways from Dublin.

    Leinster turned up, Scarlets didn’t

    Scarlets didn’t bring the energy required and had few chances to light up the game, with Leinster more ruthless and aggressive.

    The home side were well-structured and efficient in attack all afternoon and their defence remained resolute anytime Scarlets came bounding into their half.

    Wayne Pivac’s side didn’t look like they believed in their fitness or pace out wide, and looked unwilling to go for big efforts during the contest.

    When Scarlets were deep in the Leinster half, they opted to kick points rather than go for the corner where a scoreable chance could have presented itself.

    The Blues were dominant but it won’t be as easy in the final – they carried well, their ideas in attack and defence were accurate and they got over the gain line too easily.

    In contrast, Scarlets defensive line was poor – and they won’t get the same freedom against Racing or Munster.

    Constrasting fortunes at 9

    At scrum-half, the clear difference for both sides was the quality service of ball received from their pack and how it was distributed and managed.

    Leinster always had options and looked clinical, whereas Scarlets were rudderless in attack.

    One of the men at fault was Scarlets’ Gareth Davies who looked lethargic with ball in hand and his general decision making was poor.

    He continued to opt to kick on numerous occasions – even though each effort was worse than the next.

    In contrast, Leinster’s second choice scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park was outstanding with his quick distribution and general game management, and kept his side on the front foot through the contest.

    Sexton the general

    Another stellar display from Sexton as he guided Leinster to a first European final in six years.

    The 32-year-old is a model of consistency any time he gets the ball in hand, and capped off a fine performance with his fourth try in six Champions Cup appearances this season.

    He pinned Scarlets back deep into their own territory and put the visitors under serious pressure all day, coming off to a standing ovation with 19 minutes remaining. A class act.

    Henshaw’s sharp return

    Returning to the starting XV just ten weeks after shoulder reconstruction, Henshaw looked instrumental.

    He had his shoulder tested early on and looked so dominant in collisions, blowing away each Scarlets opponent with ease.

    The 24-year-old looks to have rehabbed incredibly well since he sustained the injury against Italy and his carrying in midfield put Leinster on the front foot.

    With Garry Ringrose on his outside, both men produced a defensive masterclass and will be key to Leinster’s chances on May 12.

    Patch of his recent form

    Wasted at full-back, Rhys Patchell was lucky to get away with a high hit on Fergus McFadden early on.

    He gave a hospital pass to Hadleigh Parkes with Henshaw and Dan Leavy lurking like men with a V8 engine strapped to them.

    The Welsh international was also stripped of the ball by Jordan Larmour early in the second half and was constantly put under pressure from Sexton’s probing kicks.

    Although he can’t be faulted for his team’s sub-par performance, he was like a deer caught in headlights all afternoon.

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