This one was close for about 13 minutes. Once Caelan Doris got over for a converted try, Leinster were able to stay in fourth gear and leave Sharks in their dust.
The last time we saw Leinster in the United Rugby Championship, their shadow squad was getting an almighty pumping at the hands of the Bulls.
Two weeks and one Champions Cup semi-final win later, Leinster had a lot of the bigger, bolder dogs back. Sharks gave it a rattle but the jig was up before the half-time whistle had even sounded.
The South Africans fielded a starting XV that contained captain Lukhanyo Am, Thomas du Toit, Mazakole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, Munster old boy Gerbrandt Grobler, and impressive fullback Aphelele Fassi. Still, they were missing captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth and they looked out on their feet in the final 20 minutes.
Leinster did have some scrummaging issues, and Grant Williams scorched through Tadhg Furlong and Ryan Baird for the game's opening try. However, that was the peak for Sharks.
Caelan Doris powered over for Leinster's immediate response and more first half tries followed from Michael Milne and Jordan Larmour. HALF-TIME:Leinster 21-5 Sharks
[caption id="attachment_287295" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Caelan Doris of Leinster arrives before the United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final between Leinster and Cell C Sharks at the Aviva Stadium. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
Caelan Doris makes another big statement
When Max Deegan crossed for the fourth Leinster try of the night, on 50 minutes, it was effectively game over. Jamison Gibson-Park grabbed a fifth, late on, and Sharks even had a consolation chalked off for foul play in the lead-up.
Caelan Doris was a sensation for Leinster and backed him the huge honour of being nominated for EPCR Player of the Year with another Man of the Match performance.
"We knew it was going to be a tough battle," Doris told RTE. "They're such a quality side... we prepared very well in the week. We were very excited to play this one There was a lot of responsibility in this group, representing the wider squad. So, very happy to get the win and move on to the next one."
"It's massive - we have the opportunity to play two finals and lift silverware in two competitions. None of that negativity from last season has carried over."
Up next for Leinster are the winners of Munster's quarter final against Glasgow Warriors.
OUR MAN OF THE MATCH: Caelan Doris (Leinster)
Caelan Doris of Leinster arrives before the United Rugby Championship Quarter-Final between Leinster and Cell C Sharks at the Aviva Stadium. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
