Ringrose: ‘Incredible’ Saracens awaiting Leinster in final

Garry Ringrose warned defending champions Leinster that Saracens’ recent European Champions Cup pedigree will imbue them with confidence when the two clubs meet in the final.

Leinster remain on course to emulate Sarries’ back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 after easing to a 30-12 semi-final victory over Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

James Lowe, Luke McGrath and Scott Fardy crossed for the Pro14 side, with the returning Johnny Sexton converting all three tries and slotting over another two penalties.

Leinster will become the most successful team in Champions Cup history if they win in Newcastle next month, yet Ringrose witnessed Saracens’ 32-16 semi-final triumph over Munster on Saturday and feels they will be buoyant about their chances.

“Big games like that, they fall on such fine margins – I think the score probably flatters us a little bit, with how tough that was and how hard we had to work for that,” he told BT Sport.

“We’ll have to try and do that once more against an incredible Saracens side. Seeing them yesterday, I’ve no doubt they’re backing themselves to get back on top of Europe so that’s our next challenge.

See you soon, @NUFC #JoinTheRoar #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/v4cncdouA4

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 21, 2019

“Saracens have done it before, won back-to-back [Champions Cups] so they have that experience, an unbelievably strong squad.

“A couple of [Leinster’s] guys have been there and we’ll have to tap into their experience.”

Sexton’s presence in the XV was key for Leinster. The Ireland international had not played since his country’s final Six Nations game against Wales on March 16 and, though he was replaced with 14 minutes to go on Sunday, he allayed fears over a recurrence of a thigh problem.

“All precaution – it’s just good to get it sorted,” he added. “I’m just looking after it and I’ll be ready to go in a couple of weeks.

“I’ve had a few weeks off, my lungs were bursting at times during the week – felt like I was cramming for a big exam, I haven’t done too much over the last few weeks with quad and groin issues that I was carrying for a while.

“It was good to get to the bottom of it and make the body feel good. We’re proud to get to another final but we know we’re going to be up against it against the other best team in the competition.”

The Heineken Man of the Match #LEIvTOU #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/TpxAchYaJF

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 21, 2019

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta