Leinster edge past Bath to reach European Rugby Champions Cup semi-finals

Anthony Watson puts in a late challenge on Rob Kearney to earn himself a yellow card

Leinster had the boot of Ian Madigan to thank as they overcame Bath 18-15 to reach the semi-final of the European Champions Cup.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the Aviva Stadium, the No 12 kicked six penalties ensuring that tries from George Ford and Stuart Hooper for Bath were in vain.

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Leinster had the boot of Ian Madigan to thank as they overcame Bath 18-15 to reach the semi-final of the European Champions Cup.

The Irish side are looking for a record equalling fourth Champions Cup victory this season and moved a step closer to realising that ambition with a controlled display against the 1998 winners.

Madigan opened the scoring shortly before the quarter hour mark only for Bath to take the lead in the 21st minute as Ford spotted a gap in the Leinster defence to ghost in and score.

However, his conversion came back off the post meaning another Madigan penalty just minutes later had the hosts back in front.

With the game delicately poised, Leinster were handed the advantage when England back Anthony Watson, playing at full-back, was sent to the sin bin a minute later for a late tackle on Rob Kearney from the restart.

It proved costly for Bath as Madigan knocked over another two penalties in Watson’s absence. He sent another between the posts a minute before the break to add to Leinster’s lead and leave the English side with it all to do in the second half.

They made a positive start and were right back in the game seven minutes after the interval. Ford again found a gap and when he was tackled short of the line, captain Stuart Hooper was on hand to crash over.

Stuart Hooper crosses for Bath's second try during their defeat to Leinster

This time Ford did convert to close the gap to just three points.

That became six as Madigan kicked Leinster's first and last points of the second period five minutes later.

However, Bath struggled to create any sustained pressure until Ford brought them back to within three points with a penalty six minutes from time.

Bath pressed and were in the process of working themselves into a position for the drop goal before the referee controversially awarded Leinster a penalty just as the clock ticked past the 80 minute mark.

Leinster duly kicked the ball into touch to confirm their place in the last four and leave Bath ruing a forgettable first half showing.