Rugby – Reaction:Leinster coach Michael Chieka was disappointed the defending European Champions were unable to overcome Toulouse as the French side powered their way into a sixth European final at Le Stadium in Toulouse yesterday.
It was the first of two France-Ireland semi-finals and the power of Toulouse scrum, combined with a 21 points tally from outhalf David Skrela, ensured the aristocrats of European rugby a 26-16 win and the chance of a fourth title.
Toulouse will now play the winner of today's other semi between Biarritz and Munster at the Estadio Anoeta in San Sebastian (3.15 Irish time) in the final at the Stade de France on May 22.
“We're very disappointed because we felt we had it in us to go two finals in a row, which isn't easy to do,” said Cheika after the game.
“We felt like we'd built up the momentum in the team to do that and fought as hard as we could. Maybe once upon a time that would have been seen as a really courageous loss.
“Everything was put on the line and physically we were good, taking it right to them, but you have to be accurate at this level.
“What killed us was the management of our possession when it was out turn to play. We let ball go too easily and probably kicked it away too much.
“There were still had enough opportunities in the game if we'd just been more clinical in attack. We kept giving the ball back to them and that enabled them to build their momentum.”
Leinster were outmuscled in the scrum and still struggled when Cian Healy was replaced by CJ van de Linde.
“Cian came off and we tried to change the picture a little bit,” added Cheika. “The scrums probably cost us two to three running opportunities.”
“At this level every one of those counts. When we did have some parity in the scrum we didn't manage the ball well.”
Toulouse coach Guy Noves was delighted to have masterminded andother vintage performance.
"This win exceeds all our expectations,” he said. “We have been through a difficult season and now we are offering to the people who supported us all the way a final in France."
"It's pure bliss because to reach that point means you have done a lot of work and a good job for months and even years. It's a fantastic reward."
Skrela contributed a try, two conversions and four penalties with centre Yannick Jauzion scoring Toulouse's other try.
Jamie Heaslip scored Leinster's only try with outhalf Shaun Berne, replacing Jonathan Sexton who was sidelined through a fractured jaw, adding two penalties and a conversion. Fullback Rob Kearney also kicked a penalty.
The teams were level 9-9 when the game turned Toulouse's way just before the hour.
Jauzion powered his way over on the blindside after a series of rucks within Leinster's 10 metres. Four minutes later Skrela burst between O'Driscoll and Gordon d'Arcy and ran over.
"I saw a gap, decided to have a go and it worked but I think we have to pay tribute to our forwards because they did a fantastic job and provided us with good balls. We, the backs, were just happy to finish it off," said Skrela, who was named man-of-the-match.