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Sexton stars as Leinster book Champions Cup final place

Rob Kearney and Jonathan Sexton celebrate winning 17/3/2018
Ireland superstar Johnny Sexton led the charge as Leinster booked their place in the Champions Cup final with a commanding win against Scarlets.

Ireland superstar Johnny Sexton led the charge as Leinster booked their place in the Champions Cup final with a commanding win against Scarlets.

Sexton, whose memorable drop-goal against France set Ireland on their way to NatWest 6 Nations glory this year, scored 18 points at the Aviva Stadium.

Four of Leinster’s five tries were scored by Ireland internationals, with James Ryan, Cian Healy and Fergus McFadden all crossing the whitewash on a memorable afternoon for the Dublin side.

Scarlets, who beat Leinster on their way to Guinness PRO14 glory a year ago, took the lead through Leigh Halfpenny’s penalty – one of three for the Wales full-back.

However, Leinster had too much territory for Scarlets to keep the lead for long with Ryan, a stand-out performer in the NatWest 6 Nations, burrowing over.

Prop Healy added a second before wing McFadden grabbed a third before half time as Leinster raced clear.

Australian Scott Fardy got a fourth before Sexton rounded off a fine afternoon for the home side, side-stepping his way through down the left-hand side.

Tadhg Beirne got one back for Scarlets but they could not get back into the game and their wait for a first ever Champions Cup final goes on.