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The visitors were hopelessly outmatched in Dublin - Getty Images/Brendan Moran
Leinster 62 Harlequins 0
Leinster coasted into the Champions Cup quarter-finals after crushing Harlequins 62-0 at Croke Park.
The four-time tournament winners were never troubled as they continued their quest for a first title success since 2018.
Leinster were beaten in the last three Champions Cup finals, and they are once again building ominously at the competition’s business end, with Quins being effortlessly brushed aside.
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell looked on as Leinster established control through first-half tries for fly-half Sam Prendergast, lock Joe McCarthy and wing Jamie Osborne, while Prendergast added two conversions.
And the second period proved an even greater tale of dominance as flanker Josh van der Flier, centre Garry Ringrose and hooker Dan Sheehan added further touchdowns, with Prendergast kicking another conversion.
Leinster were also awarded a penalty try before Ross Byrne converted his own try and wing James Lowe crossed twice during the final three minutes, with Byrne converting the second.
Quins produced a damp-squib display, being unable to test Leinster in any department, and there will be a great deal of soul-searching in their camp.
More to follow . . .
05:23 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Leinster’s quarter-final triumph to an end. It was a comfortable afternoon for the four-time champions who scored 10 tries to sweep aside a disappointing Harlequins.
Leinster will now face either Glasgow Warriors or Leicester Tigers, who meet later on this evening. You can follow our live updates of that clash from 6:30pm but for now, thanks for joining us.
05:20 PM BST
‘We showed top level rugby’, says Doris
Speaking to Premier Sports, Leinster captain Caelan Doris said: “It was a very enjoyable game.
“We had a week off post-Six Nations and then came in last week and had a really good weekend, got the cohesion back, getting back into the Leinster way and Leinster systems.
“The boys from South Africa came back with a buzz off the back of a good win against Sharks. There’s been a good excitement around the place this week.
“We really wanted to get back to playing top level rugby at our best and we showed that at times today definitely.”
05:12 PM BST
Champions Cup last 16
Friday, 4 April
- Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont
Saturday, 5 April
- Toulon 72-42 Saracens
- Castres 39-37 Benetton
- Leinster 62-0 Harlequins
- La Rochelle v Munster (17:30)
- Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers (20:00)
Sunday, 6 April
- Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster (12:30)
- Toulouse v Sale Sharks (15:00)
05:07 PM BST
WATCH: Leinster hit 50
05:05 PM BST
Harlqeuins humiliation
An utterly humiliating experience for Harlequins. Leinster were able to demonstrate the gulf in class between the two sides all too easily. At times the contest felt more like a training run for the Irish province, who apart from the opening 15 minutes, completely dominated this round of 16 game. At the end Leinster were running in tries for fun, with James Lowe scoring twice late on to take his side’s total to 10. The Premiership may be guilty of prioritising attack over defence this season, but this was beyond a joke.
While Leinster’s blitz defence choked the life out of Marcus Smith’s attempts at getting the Quins’ attacking game going, the English side were guilty too often of slipping off tackles or switching off and it only served to encourage Leinster to hammer home their advantage.
There was freshness about Leinster, who had been able to rest a number of their internationals following the Six Nations, while players such as Josh van der Flier, who had a relatively subdued championship, stepped up impressively in front of Lions head coach Andy Farrell, scoring a try at the start of second half.
Leinster can now look forward to a quarter-final next weekend, and on this form, reaching another final looks well within their grasp. For Harlequins, a bout of soul-searching is required.
05:03 PM BST
‘Hopefully we can keep this level’, says Van der Flier
Speaking to Premier Sports, player of the match Josh van der Flier, said:“It was a brilliant performance from the lads, a lot of them stood up.
“It was huge keeping Harlequins out in the first 20 minutes and the scoreboard probably doesn’t reflect how good a side they are.
“[Croke Park] is a very cool place to play. Everyone in Ireland knows what a special place this is, so it is always a pleasure.
“It is hard to peak at this time of the year but we have a lot of important stuff left so hopefully we can keep this performance level up as a team.”
05:00 PM BST
Catres progress to last eight
Castres have progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Benetton 39-37 thanks to a 79th minute try and they will now have a quarter-final clash away at Northampton Saints.
04:57 PM BST
Up next for Leinster
Leinster will face the winner of this evening’s match between Glasgow Warriors and Leicester Tigers in the quarter-final as they continue their search for a fifth Champions Cup title.
04:54 PM BST
Full time: Leinster 62 Harlequins 0
That conversion is the final action of this last 16 clash and Leinster progress to the quarter-finals after thrashing Harlequins.
04:52 PM BST
TRY! Lowe scores a quick-fire second
Leinster 62 Harlequins 0 (Lowe) There is just acres of space for Leinster now and the ball is moved to the left for Lowe who has a huge gap to run through for a second try in quick succession. There were four players waiting who could have crossed in all honesty.
Byrne converts from under the posts.
04:50 PM BST
TRY! Lowe gets in on the act
Leinster 55 Harlequins 0 (Lowe) Following the Harlequins scrum, they lose control of the ball at the breakdown in their own 22 and Leinster can pounce.
It’s worked straight out to Lowe on the left flank and he has a free passage to the corner. Byrne fails to convert but he won’t care too much at this stage.
04:48 PM BST
76 mins: Leinster 50 Harlequins 0
Barrett is probably in down the right but Benson makes the tap-tackle before he even receives it. Play goes on for a moment but is eventually brought back for the penalty and Benson sees yellow. Harlequins down to 13 for now.
Leinster are hunting for another following the line-out but it’s knocked on and Harlequins survive this time.
04:44 PM BST
TRY! Byrne makes it 50 for Leinster
Leinster 50 Harlequins 0 (Byrne) Leinster are in the Harlequins 22 once again and have the penalty advantage but they don’t need it as another swift passing move from left to right ends with Byrne who crosses in the corner. It has been so easy for them, particularly in this second half.
It’s Byrne who steps up for the conversion and he makes it from out wide.
04:42 PM BST
68 mins: Leinster 43 Harlequins 0
Barrett is threatening once again, this time bursting down the right flank. He manages to offload it to Deegan but the substitute is tackled a couple of metres out.
04:40 PM BST
Big impact from Barrett
Leinster’s ability to bring on Jordie Barrett from the bench underscores the difference between the two sides. The All Black produces a delightfully simple counter-attack in the build-up to a penalty try after the ball is deflected out of the hands of Max Deegan by Luke Northmore.
04:39 PM BST
PENALTY TRY! Northmore sees yellow
Leinster 43 Harlequins 0 (Penalty try) A sensational pass out the back from Prendergast picks out Barrett who pulls off a sublime chip and chase. It’s worked to McCarthy and he looks set to cross but he is denied by a superb tap-tackle by Green.
The move stays alive though and as Prendergast looks to play on a final pass to Deegan, who is waiting to cross in the corner, Northmore looks to have deliberately knocked it on.
Following a TMO check, Northmore sees yellow and the penalty try is awarded.
04:35 PM BST
65 mins: Leinster 36 Harlequins 0
Leinster look set to threaten down the left flank once again but Lowe spills it at the crucial moment as the ball is shifted onto him on the wing.
Care receives a bit of a hospital pass out on the left and is slammed into touch by the combination of Furlong and McCarthy. The crowd enjoyed that one.
04:31 PM BST
62 mins: Leinster 36 Harlequins 0
Lowe reads Smith’s pass to make the interception and Harlequins continue to really struggle to create.
McGrath makes an excellent line-breaking run and does well to fend off the challenges but fails to make the offload to the outside and knocks it on as he is eventually tackled. That could and should have been a seventh.
04:27 PM BST
TRY! Sheehan crosses as Leinster extend lead
Leinster 36 Harlequins 0 (Sheehan) It’s almost a carbon copy of Van der Flier’s try, but this time down Leinster’s left. The hosts win the penalty and Prendergast kicks for the corner.
Leinster maul well from the line-out to drive for the line before Sheehan bundles over to round off an excellent performance.
Prendergast is wayward from the tee but it doesn’t matter at this stage.
04:24 PM BST
57 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Following the line-out, McCarthy peels away from the breakdown and looks to dart for the corner but he is pushed into touch, outnumbered by the Harlequins defence.
The visitors clear but Lowe takes the line-out quickly and some more slick passing from Leinster sees them have another visit into the 22.
04:21 PM BST
54 mins: Leinster 31 Harlequins 0
The first sloppy moment from Leinster in this second half as Lowe’s kick has too much on it and Quins have the scrum inside the home side’s half.
The visitors are penalised though at the scrum and Prendergast produces a simply outrageous 60 metre spiral-kick right into the corner down Leinster’s left.
04:19 PM BST
Impressive display from Van der Flier
The biggest winner of this contest so far has been Josh van der Flier, who has enjoyed a fine afternoon, making numerous carries after what had been a subdued Six Nations campaign for the Leinster openside.
He caps his all-court display with a try, Leinster’s fourth, from a simple line-out drive.
04:16 PM BST
TRY! Ringrose adds a Leinster fifth
Leinster 31 Harlequins 0 (Ringrose) Leinster’s passing has been sensational in this second half and another really slick move from right to left sees the ball worked to Ringrose on the wing.
He threatens to burst down the flank before stepping inside past his man and then darting for the line, brushing off a couple of Harlequins challenges. A wonderful try.
Prendergast converts this time to make it take Leinster to 31.
04:14 PM BST
TRY! Van der Flier crosses following the line-out
Leinster 24 Harlequins 0 (Van der Flier) Prendergast kicks for the corner down Leinster’s right and they have the line-out in a promising position.
The home side maul excellently to get within a couple of metres of the line and it’s Van der Flier who peels away to cross in the corner. Really easy stuff to extend their lead further.
Prendergast’s kick is sliced wide but the lead is up to 24.
04:11 PM BST
45 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
There is a TMO check as to whether the ball was actually held up by Kenningham but the onfield decision remains. Looks like the correct call. Not too sure why there was such a lengthy check for that one.
As play resumes, Porter spills it following a series of swift passes but play is brought back for Harlequins going into the breakdown from the side.
04:08 PM BST
44 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Harlequins spill it on halfway under immense pressure from Leinster and the hosts have the scrum. Leinster go right from the scrum before shifting it out to the left.
A great carry from Van der Flier and some really swift passing takes the hosts within a couple of metres of the line. It’s Snyman who goes for the final pick and go but he is held up by the Quins defence.
04:03 PM BST
41 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
We are back underway at Croke Park with Harlequins and Smith kicking things off going from right to left. Can the visitors get themselves back in this contest or will Leinster extend their lead?
04:02 PM BST
Poor half from Quins
A poor half from Quins. They lack the power to challenge the Leinster blitz defence and are finding themselves running into cul-de-sacs in attack, while they have been too passive defending themselves.
Leinster are worthy of their three tries but have managed so even with a high number of handling errors. The concern for Harlequins is that if the Irish province switch on properly, this game could turn into a rout.
03:58 PM BST
WATCH: Prendergast crosses for first try
03:56 PM BST
Elsewhere
It’s also half-time in the clash between Castres and Benetton and it’s the home side with a narrow 24-22 lead at the break.
03:49 PM BST
Half-time: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Slimani is penalised before Harlequins win the foul at the scrum and Smith finds touch around halfway, down their right flank.
The visitors really struggle to make any ground as they work the ball from right to left with Leinster so sharp in the tackle. Eventually Harlequins spill it under the pressure of the hosts and that brings this first half to an end.
It’s been very easy for Leinster who haven’t needed to be at their best but they lead 19-0. Harlequins have been sloppy and devoid of ideas, work to do!
03:46 PM BST
38 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Harlequins are given the free-kick at the scrum and Smith can send another kick high but Keenan gathers excellently.
The visitors are sloppy in their passing and the ball runs loose allowing Leinster to hack it into the Harlequins 22. Halfpenny recovers well to smother it but Ringrose is chasing well and slams him in the tackle to keep the pressure on before Care clears into touch.
03:42 PM BST
35 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Leinster look like they’re in for a fourth following the scrum but David makes a superb tap tackle to deny Ringrose before Harlequins force the foul with the home side slow to support at the breakdown.
Leinster soon have the line-out down the left but as the ball is worked inside, Prendergast spills it and Harlequins are let off.
03:39 PM BST
Sloppy defending from Harlequins
A third try for Leinster and the game already looks to be slipping from their grasp. They have been punished for some sloppy defending. Leinster have barely got out of third gear but have a 19-point advantage.
03:38 PM BST
32 mins: Leinster 19 Harlequins 0
Osborne spills the kick forward and Harlequins have the scrum inside Leinster’s half but Baxter is penalised and the home side have the penalty.
Following the line-out down their right, Leinster are quickly into the 22 with McCarthy carrying well. The move breaks down but play is brought back for the scrum on the Harlequins 22.
03:33 PM BST
TRY! Osborne completes sensational Leinster move
Leinster 19 Harlequins 0 (Osborne) Leinster transition superbly form a Harlequins attack and a disguised reverse pass allows Ringrose to break the visitors’ defensive line before he sprays a pass out to Osborne on the right.
He picks out Van der Flier on his inside who returns the favour with a smart offload to Osborne peeling inside and the winger shows great pace and strength to cross for Leinster’s third.
Porter appears to be in some discomfort for Harlequins so he is just receiving treatment before the conversion attempt.
The Harlequins man is back on his feet and Prendergast steps up to make it two conversions from three.
03:28 PM BST
25 mins: Leinster 12 Harlequins 0
Smith sends one high into the sky but Prendergast claims superbly and the Irish fly-half continues his superb start to this game.
Harlequins will be disappointed after dominating the opening exchanges to be 12-0 down but the hosts have been ruthless. A knock-on from Lowe as he chases a high kick which gets caught in the wind gives the visitors the scrum.
03:25 PM BST
Damage done by Sheehan for first try
Sam Prendergast adds the crash ball to his repertoire as the fly-half opens the scoring for Leinster by powering over from a short pass by Jamison Gibson-Park. The damage was done by Dan Sheehan running over Leigh Halfpenny in the build-up.
03:22 PM BST
TRY! Leinster add an instant second
Leinster 12 Harlequins 0 (McCarthy) And just like that, Leinster have a second. Van der Flier absolutely flattens his man to take Leinster inside the Harlequins 22.
The ball is worked inside to Prendergast who goes for the deft chip over the top. He is blocked off and Leinster have the advantage but Harlequins appear to stop for a moment allowing Leinster to gain important ground and they can retrieve it five metres out.
The ball is worked back to Prendergast who picks out McCarthy in space towards the right and he crosses with ease.
Prendergast converts this time from under the posts.
03:18 PM BST
TRY! Prendergast opens the scoring for Leinster
Leinster 5 Harlequins 0 (Prendergast) A superb double-pump from Prendergast sells the defenders as he finds Conan making the line-breaking run.
The supporting Sheehan is found and he drives excellently to take the hosts within a couple of metres. Gibson-Park is there to retrieve the ball from the breakdown and he pops it off to Prendergast who can cross with ease for Leinster’s first of the day.
Prendergast’s conversion attempt is sliced wide of the right post.
03:15 PM BST
Bright start from Harlequins
It has been a surprisingly bright start by Harlequins, but they will be disappointed not to have converted their sustained period of pressure into points. Leinster have barely touched the ball, but comfortably weathered the Quins’ early storm.
03:15 PM BST
13 mins: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
After some good work from Lowe down Leinster’s left, Harlequins are penalised for being off their feet in the breakdown and the home side now have their chance to kick for the corner, down their left flank.
03:13 PM BST
11 mins: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
Harlequins work it out to the left from the scrum, and after a number of attacking phases they get into the Leinster 22 and win yet another foul at the breakdown as Conan is penalised for not releasing.
Smith kicks for the corner again for the line-out down the left but following a good maul from the visitors, Leinster manage to hold them up as they cross the try-line. Solid defence from the hosts.
03:08 PM BST
8 mins: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
Smith shows some nice feet to dance past a couple of tackles to get Harlequins into the Leinster 22. The move breaks down but Harlequins had the advantage and Smith kicks for the corner down their left.
As the visitors work it from left to right, the passing becomes loose and Osborne has the chance to intercept but can’t quite gather it into his grasp and he knocks it on. He would have had the freedom of Croke Park had he held onto it.
03:06 PM BST
4 mins: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
Harlequins win the foul as the scrum collapses and Halfpenny is going to go for the posts from inside his own half, with the wind on his side.
It’s a good line from the full-back but it doesn’t have the legs and Lowe can gather before clearing into touch.
03:04 PM BST
Farrell in attendance
Andy Farrell, the Lions head coach, has been spotted taking his seat at Croke Park along with his forwards coach John Fogarty. The Sam Prendergast v Marcus Smith likely to be among the head-to-heads he is monitoring.
03:03 PM BST
3 mins: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
Leinster enjoy a lot of ball in hand in the opening stages before Prendergast sprays a wonderful pass out to Lowe on the left and he drives them towards the 22.
The ball is worked back inside though as Harlequins hold strong in defence and the move eventually breaks down as RG Snyman spills a poor pass. Knock-on for the visitors.
03:00 PM BST
1 min: Leinster 0 Harlequins 0
We are underway at Croke Park with Leinster and Prendergast kicking things off going from right to left.
The referee this afternoon is Pierre Brousset of France while the assistant referees are Kevin Bralley and Thomas Charabas. The TMO is Tual Trainini.
02:58 PM BST
Players out on the pitch
The players have emerged from the tunnel at Croke Park to a wonderful reception and perfect conditions, with the sun shining in Dublin this afternoon.
Kick-off in this Champions Cup last 16 clash is just moments away now.
02:55 PM BST
Five minutes until kick-off
We are just five minutes away from kick-off at Croke Park. Hear the final thoughts of Leinster head coach Leo Cullen below.
02:53 PM BST
Leinster’s dominant campaign
Leinster are in imperious form having won 17 of their 18 matches in all competitions this season.
The solitary defeat did come just two weeks ago away at Bulls but it was by a single point and they were without several key figures following the Six Nations.
Despite the defeat, the Irish side remain eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship.
02:50 PM BST
The scene in Dublin
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Leinster head coach Leo Cullen - PA/Brian Lawless
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Harlequins’ Marcus Smith - PA/Brian Lawless
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Sam Prendergast of Leinster - Getty Images/Brendan Moran
02:48 PM BST
Cullen wary of Harlequins threat
Speaking this week, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “We’re hugely excited about the game, watching ‘Quins the last couple of weeks they had a big win over Sarries in the Spurs stadium coming from 12 points down at half-time to win comfortably - it showed their ability to stick in the game and score points quickly.
“That’s probably been their form, not just this season but for the last five, six, seven seasons really. They have that ability. You look at their team, they have plenty of threats, so it’s a great challenge for us.”
“There was a big play-off tie last year where they won away in Bordeaux so we all know they are very dangerous, we know they have it in them so it is making sure are well prepped for it.”
02:46 PM BST
Previous meetings
Harlequins have beaten Leinster just once in their previous three Champions Cup meetings.
However, the defeats were by a margin of just one point, including in the most recent knockout stage game which came in the quarter-finals in 2009.
02:43 PM BST
Danny Wilson: Harlequins would never disrespect Champions Cup by picking second string
With Saracens resting key figures for their Champions Cup clash earlier today, Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson said in the week his club would never disrespect the competition by naming a second-string team in a knockout match.
On how he would approach the competition, Wilson said: “I can’t see us ever at Harlequins putting a second team out in a Champions Cup game.
“That’s disrespecting what I think the competition is. It’s an exciting competition that we want to be part of and [we] want to do ourselves justice.
“Having said that, we have to manage our squad, full stop, because the three games that we’ve had coming out of the break [were] Saracens away, Bath away, Leinster away – we haven’t had a home game for three weeks and obviously [there was] a lot of travel, a lot of challenges, a lot of physical, confrontational games, which means you have to manage your squad.”
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Harlequins’ Head Coach Danny Wilson - Getty Images /Bob Bradford
02:39 PM BST
It would be ‘miraculous’ if English team triumphs, says Care
Speaking last month, Harlequins’ Danny Care said it would be “miraculous” if an English team won the Champions Cup this season.
Quins, who were one of five Premiership clubs to reach the knockout stages, have never won the competition but did reach the semi-finals last season.
“These are the types of games you still want to be playing in; obviously no-one gives us a chance in hell but we’ll give it a crack,” he told BBC.
“I think it’d be miraculous if an English team can get their hands on that at the moment, with the way the tournament is, to go up against these French and Irish superpowers. Last year for us and Northampton to get to a semi-final was remarkable.
“If one of us could do it again this year it would be nothing short of a miracle, but we’ll try our best and see what happens.”
02:36 PM BST
Leinster’s perfect pool stage
Leinster have enjoyed a flawless Champions Cup so far, winning all four of them pool stage games.
Victory away at Bristol kicked off their tournament before a low-scoring triumph at home against Clermont a week later.
A narrow victory away at Stade Rochelais made it three from three before top spot was wrapped up with a comfortable victory at home against Bath.
02:34 PM BST
Harlequins’ pool stage
Harlequins’ Champions Cup campaign started with a 23-12 defeat against Racing 92 but they quickly made amends with a 53-16 hammering of Stormers a week later.
Their second spell of pool stage games started with a 33-21 loss against Toulon but their 24-7 victory over Glasgow was enough to take them through in fourth, edging out Racing 92 on points difference.
02:30 PM BST
Battle of the 10s
One intriguing aspect of this afternoon’s clash is the battle of the fly-halves with Ireland’s Sam Prendergast lining up for Leinster against England’s Marcus Smith for Harlequins.
With the British and Irish Lions Tour around the corner, which talented playmaker will impress this afternoon?
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Marcus Smith of Harlequins - Getty Images/Michael Steele
02:27 PM BST
Full Champions Cup last 16 fixture list
Friday, 4 April
- Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont
Saturday, 5 April
- Toulon 72-42 Saracens
- Castres v Benetton (15:00)
- Leinster v Harlequins (15:00)
- La Rochelle v Munster (17:30)
- Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers (20:00)
Sunday, 6 April
- Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster (12:30)
- Toulouse v Sale Sharks (15:00)
02:23 PM BST
Other Premiership interest in Europe as Saracens knocked out
Saracens appeared to prioritise domestic success, resting key figures including Maro Itoje and Tom Willis for their clash with Toulon this afternoon, and they were beaten 72-42 away at the French side.
Northampton were the only English side to secure a home tie after finishing top of Pool 3 and they took advantage of this as they swept aside Clermont Auvergne at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night.
Two-time European champions Leicester Tigers travel to Glasgow Warriors for a spot in the last eight later on this evening while Sale Sharks will have their work cut out when they make the trip to defending champions Toulouse tomorrow.
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Facundo Isa of Toulon dives into score their sixth try - Getty Images/David Rogers
02:19 PM BST
At stake this afternoon
The winner of this afternoon’s tie will set up a quarter-final clash against either Glasgow Warriors or Leicester Tigers, who meet this evening.
Should Harlequins win this afternoon, they will be away from home once again in the last eight given their lower rank in the competition.
02:15 PM BST
Those teams in full
Leinster: Keenan; Osborne, Ringrose, Henshaw, James Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Slimani; McCarthy, RG Snyman; Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt)
Replacements: McCarthy, Boyle, Furlong, Baird, Deegan McGrath, Byrne, Barrett.
Harlequins: Halfpenny; Green, Beard, Waghorn, David; Smith, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele; Launchbury, Cunningham-South; Kenningham, Evans, Dombrandt (capt).
Replacements: Riley, Jones, Kerrod, Herbst, Hammond, Care, Benson, Northmore.
02:11 PM BST
Six changes for Harlequins
Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt returns at number eight as one of six changes Danny Wilson has made following last weekend’s Premiership loss to Bath.
Your Starting XV for Leinster
Dombrandt returns
Six changes
https://t.co/D9aLArsikr
Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK#COYQ | #LEIvHARpic.twitter.com/UztFB4Cr57
— Harlequins (@Harlequins) April 4, 2025
02:07 PM BST
Ireland internationals return for Leinster
Leinster have recalled a host of Ireland internationals for this afternoon’s clash, including captain Caelan Doris, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Andrew Porter and Josh van der Flier, who are all set to feature for the first time since the Six Nations.
02:02 PM BST
Preview: Four-time champions host Harlequins in last 16
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Investec Champions Cup last 16 as Leinster host Harlequins at Croke Park. The visitors have their work cut out this afternoon as they take on the four-time champions, who enjoyed a perfect pool stage, winning all four of their games, and who have lost just once in their 18 matches in all competitions this season.
Leinster’s solitary defeat did come just two weeks ago as they were beaten by Bulls but they were without several key figures following Ireland’s Six Nations campaign and a host of these international stars return to the side today including captain Caelan Doris, Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park.
And while Leinster sit eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship, Harlequins find themselves down in seventh in the Gallagher Premiership following their 47-28 defeat away at Bath last time out. With five games to go, though, it remains all to play for domestically for Danny Wilson’s side, with Leicester Tigers just four points ahead in third.
The margins were equally tight in Harlequins’ Champions Cup pool stage as they scraped through Pool 4 in fourth, pipping Racing 92 to the final qualification spot on points difference alone.
The London team, who are searching for their first Champions Cup title, will take confidence from their journey to the semi-final in last year’s campaign where they were eventually beaten by Toulouse. However, their opponents this afternoon went one better, reaching the final, as they have done in each of the last three seasons. Each time to no avail though, being beaten by La Rochelle on two occasions before Toulouse claimed the title last year.
The winner of this afternoon’s tie will set up a quarter-final clash against either Glasgow Warriors or Leicester Tigers, who meet this evening.
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