Leinster Rugby delivered a stunning performance at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on April 11, 2025, as they faced off against Glasgow Warriors in the quarterfinals of the Investec Champions Cup. The Irish side, fresh off a commanding 62-0 victory over Harlequins last weekend, showcased their dominance once again, clinching a decisive 47-0 win against the reigning URC champions.
The match kicked off at 8:00 PM BST, and it was clear from the outset that Leinster meant business. Max Deegan opened the scoring in the 14th minute, with a try that set the tone for the rest of the match. Sam Prendergast, who was instrumental throughout, converted the try, putting Leinster ahead 7-0.
Leinster's relentless attack continued shortly after, as Adam Hastings of Glasgow was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, resulting in a penalty try awarded to Leinster. This incident occurred in the 22nd minute and further compounded Glasgow's woes, as they found themselves down to 14 men while Leinster extended their lead to 14-0.
The first half saw Leinster score three more tries, with Tommy O'Brien, James Lowe, and Hugo Keenan all crossing the line. O'Brien's try, scored in the 30th minute, was particularly notable as it marked his first Champions Cup start. Prendergast's conversion after O'Brien's score brought the tally to 26-0. A few minutes later, Lowe added another try, showcasing Leinster's attacking prowess and making it 19-0. Keenan capped off a stellar first half with a try just before the halftime whistle, bringing the score to 33-0.
As the second half commenced, Leinster showed no signs of slowing down. Garry Ringrose propelled the score to 40-0 with a try in the 47th minute, again converted by Prendergast. Dan Sheehan added another try in the 58th minute, pushing the score to 47-0. Despite their best efforts, Glasgow struggled to find their rhythm, unable to penetrate Leinster's formidable defense.
Glasgow Warriors were missing key players, including Huw Jones, Zander Fagerson, and Sione Tuipulotu, which significantly impacted their performance. Additionally, Matt Fagerson left the field with a concerning leg injury, further depleting their already thin squad. The Warriors, who had previously defeated Leicester Tigers 43-19 in the round of 16, simply could not match the intensity and skill displayed by Leinster.
Throughout the match, Leinster's defense was impenetrable, marking their third consecutive game without conceding a try in open play. This defensive strength has been a hallmark of their recent performances, and it was on full display against Glasgow.
Leinster's captain, Jack Conan, started the game but was replaced by Ireland captain Caelan Doris in the 16th minute due to injury, a move that did not seem to hinder the team's momentum. The tactical decisions made by head coach Leo Cullen proved effective, with Leinster's lineup demonstrating depth and versatility.
The win secures Leinster's place in the semifinals, where they will face either Castres or Northampton Saints. With their sights set on another European title, having last won in 2018, Leinster's performance against Glasgow has solidified their status as one of the top contenders in this year's competition.
As the match concluded, Leinster celebrated a comprehensive victory, with Prendergast being named Man of the Match for his outstanding contributions, including conversions and playmaking. The final score was Leinster 47, Glasgow 0, a testament to their dominance on the field.
Looking ahead, Leinster will need to maintain this level of performance as they prepare for the semifinals, aiming for a return to the final and a shot at reclaiming the Champions Cup title.
