Donal Lenihan: Leinster hit the ground running and simply never stopped

Despite Dupont's heroics for Toulouse, Johnny Sexton delivered his most complete performance in years with a direct hand in Leinster’s opening three tries

Heineken Champions Cup Semi-Final, Aviva Stadium, Dublin 14/5/2022. Leinster vs Toulouse. Leinster's Johnny Sexton celebrates after the game with his kids Luca, Amy, Sophie after the game. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Waiting for the cue on the touchline to enter the fray with 20 minutes left to play, the look on the faces of the experienced Toulouse pair of Zack Holmes and Joe Tekori betrayed their innermost thoughts.

Both knew the game was up, their team on the back foot, 20 points behind on the scoreboard with no way back. In times past against against Irish opposition, the depth and quality of player introduced off the Toulouse bench, more often than not experienced internationals, proved the difference between the teams.