Leinster rallied to win rugby’s European Cup for the first time on Saturday after Johnny Sexton kicked a long-range penalty to clinch a 19-16 victory over Leicester.
The first-time finalists fought back after falling behind 16-9 shortly after halftime at neutral Murrayfield.
Leinster’s 14-year wait to win European club rugby’s top prize ended with Sexton’s second successful penalty of the match in the 70th minute, after Leicester infringed at the breakdown 30 metres out.
“It’s been some pretty tough times over the last couple of years. We’ve had some disappointing days,” Leinster captain Leo Cullen said. “When you’ve had a bit of hurt in the past, when you get the win it makes it that little bit sweeter.
“The boys showed great spirit coming back into it. It was a great win.”
Ben Woods’ try and two penalties from Julien Dupuy had put two-time champion Leicester ahead, but Jamie Heaslip’s score helped level at 16-16.
Brian O’Driscoll opened the scoring for Leinster when he landed a drop goal in the 7th. The Tigers immediately responded through Dupuy’s first penalty, but Sexton hit back by landed a drop-goal from inside his own half in the 24th.
The 23-year-old flyhalf was only playing because of an injury to Felipe Contepomi.
Just before the break, Leicester’s most sustained spell of possession saw Ben Woods burst clear and retain enough momentum to touch down and Dupuy converted.
Leicester stretched the lead to seven points shortly after the break when Cian Healy infringed and Dupuy kicked another penalty.
But Leinster mounted the comeback that capped a glorious year for Irish rugby. The national team won the Six Nations title in March and captured a first Grand Slam since 1948, while Munster triumphed in the Magners League.
O’Driscoll, the Leinster centre, gave British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan a scare when he appeared to sustain a shoulder injury, but he said he will not miss the South Africa tour, which begins next week.
“I’ve been carrying it for a while,” O’Driscoll said. “I’ll be in a little bit of cotton wool for a while but then it’ll be sorted.”
Pothale
Guest
We train them up, and then you take them back. Not fair. ;).
Rooster
Guest
Surely now Michael Cheika has proven himself more than capable of guiding Australia's new Super franchise when it is announced. The guy has an impeccable record as a coach in Australia ( Sydney Premiership coach of the year 2004 ) and now in Europe after winning the Heineken Cup.Lets get this guy back where he belongs to be groomed to take over from Robbie Deans with a 5 year plan.
pothale
Guest
Won't be necessary. The ARU will get him back. Then it's up to the clubs who can be the most persuasive. Crusaders would be a good club to go to if he wants to further his game, even if theyre NZ
jools-usa
Guest
We funded the Sydney Opera House through lotteries - why not a new one to buy back Elson Jools-USA
Pothale
Guest
Not true to say the focus was only on the H Cup. Leinster battled Munster the whole season for the title and only when Munster won it, did they take their foot off the gas and fielded weaker team cos of upcoming H Cup and Lions.
Pothale
Guest
And am heading my weary way back from Edinburgh after a mighty win by our boys in blue. The Lions tamed the Tigers and brought home the bounty in their first final. Leinster now have a 100% winning record in European compared to Munster's 50%!! :) Great day. Great weekend. We will miss Rocky when he goes back to Oz in the next couple of weeks. My European Player of the Season and the best player by far not in the Aus squad. Presumably that's why Deans left a slot in his named line-up.
Bonza
Guest
Perhaps a lesson for administrators - Michael Chieka has built a squad capable of winning a European Cup title over the last 5 years. Not without significant personal pressure as it was known this year was sink or swim. The focus was only on the Heineken and they finished down the table in the Magners League. The interesting thing is that he got the job done by whatever means available. A one point win over Quins in the quarter, a massive surprise win over Munster in the Semi and a perfectly timed win in the final. Lienster lost badly in the pools to lowly Castre but had the ticker and method to get through the toughest of competitions - Well done - more to come
Bonza
Guest
Brian O'Driscoll described Rocky as "the best player he has ever played with" - a massive wrap - You are right Dan he is getting better every year but I do think the style of rugby in the North is suited to him. Hovering around the rucks and imosing himself in attack and defence for me he was substantially better than the rest on the field with his physicality. next year with the maul back in Australia might come up a little short in this area and Rocky for me is a must. I am sure JO'N will want to "win" this and ensure that Rocky comes back but I am sure it will be expensive
Dan
Guest
The Irish are far and away my favourite Rugby nation in Europe (being partly of Irish decent plays a part I'll admit), and never have I so passionately supported a team that was not my own than last night when watching Leinster win last night. As a NSW man, Rocky being in the team made it an even easier decision on who to support this year and the man was in phenominal form against Leicester and his powerful running and impecible ball skills were key in yesterdays victory. He seems to get better with each passing game and I think it's pretty clear that the 'Tahs and the Wallabies need to get him playing back in Australia... perhaps this serves as a good argument as to why some overseas players should be up for selection with the Wallabies? Great year from Irish Rugby though! Ireland finding their elusive 6 Nations championship, Leinster finally winning the Heineken Cup and Munster topping the Magners League. Congratulations Leinster and Ireland!