Leinster smash past La Rochelle to secure Croke Park Champions Cup semi-final

Dan Sheehan celebrates his try.

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LEINSTER GOT THE job done with plenty to spare, putting five tries on their great French rivals La Rochelle in a statement quarter-final performance that suggests this year, they might finally conquer Europe again.

James Lowe crossed twice, with Jamison Gibson-Park, Ryan Baird and Dan Sheehan also scoring, while the excellent Ross Byrne contributed 15 points off the boot.

This was seriously impressive stuff from a Leinster team who can now look forward to a home Champions Cup semi-final in early May, which will be played in Croke Park. For in-depth reporting and analysis of the game, visit The 42.

Ulster, meanwhile, crashed out of the European Challenge Cup after a second-half obliteration against Clermont who registered 33 unanswered points against the struggling province.

Clermont, who scored seven tries – the dominant Peceli Yato and Pita Gus Sowakula both claiming braces – now progress to face the Sharks in the semi-final.

Richie Murphy’s side were unable to live with Clermont’s superior power and physicality and failed to register any points after half-time when they trailed 20-14, Nick Timoney having scored twice for the visitors.