The blue procession continues towards Cardiff, where Leinster hope to end a seven-year wait for another Investec Champions Cup crown. This victory, setting up a Dublin semi-final at the beginning of May, was another dominant one that deprived the opposition of a single point.
Glasgow Warriors were horribly depleted by injuries to fine players in key positions, but Leinster dismissed them easily. Leo Cullen’s team consolidated a clinic against Harlequins with eight unanswered tries, bringing their aggregate score across two knockout rounds to 114-0.
Someone has to conduct the march, and Sam Prendergast delivered another polished audition for the British and Irish Lions tour in front of Andy Farrell and attack coach Andrew Goodman. There is an argument that one cannot learn too much about players in vastly superior sides. Prendergast, however, oozed quality indisputably.
He is cocooned by class in the Leinster team, of course. Jordie Barrett was staggeringly good at inside centre, plundering turnovers at will and conjuring beautiful touches in attack. Jamison Gibson-Park is a long distance ahead of the competition as front-runner for Lions scrum-half.
Others, such as Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose, would have nudged Farrell as well. Ireland’s flat finish to the Six Nations already feels like a long while ago.
Arguments against bringing Prendergast to Australia are fading away. Yes, he endured inevitably tricky patches during his maiden Six Nations. England started a trio of back-row scavengers and disrupted Ireland’s rhythm for an hour or so before an exceptional bench, including Jack Crowley, won the day.
Wales were on top for long periods at the Principality Stadium and France deserved their comfortable win at the Aviva Stadium. The eventual champions gave Prendergast a difficult afternoon; of that there can be no doubt. Yet the 22-year-old has emerged from those trials impressively.
There were perhaps two mistakes in his hour-long outing on Friday evening, which ended with Leinster 47-0 ahead. He failed with one of his six conversion attempts and, in the 32nd minute, he struck a penalty that was intercepted before crossing the touchline. That was about it.
Otherwise, he made smart and unselfish decisions on the ball, demonstrating a glittering array of skills. Prendergast was serene. He had an armchair ride, but it takes serious talent to look that good in any sort of vehicle. And even the most devastating of juggernauts have to be directed.
Barely 90 seconds had elapsed before Prendergast fielded a Jamie Dobie clearance in his own 22 and smacked a 60-metre spiral in the opposite direction. Glasgow were defiant for the opening 13 minutes or so before Prendergast slipped an inside pass to a rampaging Joe McCarthy. The gain-line was pierced and Barrett linked with Tommy O’Brien to release Max Deegan out wide.
A beautifully flat, cross-field kick-pass to Ronan Kelleher led to the second Leinster score, a penalty try, and Prendergast scented blood then with Adam Hastings in the sin bin. He took a Tadhg Furlong pull-back pass and ghosted between two tight-five forwards up the middle. His grubber ahead brought about a try from which Leinster bagged a third try after Gibson-Park flung a beauty to James Lowe.
Prendergast possesses unmistakable poise on the ball and boasts remarkable range in his passing and kicking. Those traits occasionally cause you to forget about his athleticism. He can accelerate through holes and spring high off the floor. Against Harlequins, he rose to make an eye-catching overhead catch in the back-field.
A swift take-and-give to Hugo Keenan decorated the build-up to O’Brien’s second, a straightforward set-piece move, and the next try was almost cruel. Under duress from Leinster’s lightning phase play, Glasgow grew ragged. Prendergast stepped off his right foot to straighten a little and then threaded the ball through for Keenan to pounce upon.
After half-time, before the introduction of Ross Byrne in his place, there was time for two more tries and a tough piece of defence. Tom Jordan speared into midfield and Prendergast stood tall, holding up the carrier to win a maul turnover with the help of Barrett and Van der Flier.
His tackling at Test level has attracted criticism but he is definitely courageous. With the great Jacques Nienaber as his defence coach at provincial level, Prendergast cannot help but to grow steelier.
Competition for Lions spots is clearly significant. Finn Russell is the favourite of many. Crowley deserves to be in the conversation. George Ford would be a positive and canny presence. Fin Smith will want to steer Northampton Saints into a Champions Cup contest against Leinster, which would be staged days before Farrell unveils his squad.
Farrell’s own position is interesting. He will return to the role of Ireland head coach after the tour. With the 2027 World Cup in Australia, too, there may be a temptation to take Prendergast as a way of familiarising him ahead of that tournament.
That is probably not in the spirit of a Lions tour, but Prendergast would not be a token pick. He has plenty going for him anyway; not least a knowledge of how Farrell and other Lions coaches operate as well as an innate synergy with the hordes of Leinster stars intent on snapping a run of three consecutive losses in the Champions Cup final.
Manage that, and many will trade blue for Lions red in the summer. Prendergast, a precocious playmaker for the present as well as the future, is building a compelling case to join his senior colleagues.
10:35 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Leinster’s Champions Cup victory over Glasgow Warriors to an end. They move on to the semi-final’s where they will face either Castres or Northampton. Thanks for joining us!
10:34 PM BST
‘Glasgow bullied in every part of the game’, says Smith
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith told Premier Sports: “They were brilliant. I’m not even going to make excuses from our side, they were just brilliant.
“It was the first time that we’ve been completely bullied in every part of the game.
“As coaches we keep on telling players we need to improve, there’s more required, there’s a difference between club and international level.
“If you play an international team like this you realise that you see the difference. You understand the work that needs to be done may that be on the gym, on the field, the decision-making, how you handle pressure, how you manage the game.
“No better place to experience that first hand.”
10:28 PM BST
Defeat will ‘dent Glasgow confidence’, says Wilson
Speaking on Premier Sports, Former Glasgow Warriors player said: “It will dent their confidence but all their focus is on the URC. I just can’t emphasise how much it was Leinster’s doing today. They take on Zebre next week and go after the URC instead.”
10:26 PM BST
Leinster ‘hungry and motivated’, says Cullen
Leinster head coach told Premier Sports: “There is a good desire there at the moment. We had a great day last week at Croke Park, a six-day turnaround and the guys added freshness.
“We’re into the next round and Ulster are here next week in the URC. The group is hungry and motivated at the moment, and that’s what we want to see.
“The big thing is putting on a performance. For now, enjoy the weekend. The joy of playing on a Friday is enjoying watching everyone bashing lumps out of each other in the other three games. Everyone wants to be involved. Everyone just needs to be ready. We want to make sure we keep growing.”
10:23 PM BST
Still to come this weekend
Friday, 11 April
- Leinster 52-0 Glasgow Warriors (20:00)
Saturday, 12 April
- Bordeaux Begles v Munster (15:00)
- Northampton Saints v Castres (17:30)
Sunday, 6 April
- Toulon v Toulouse (15:00)
10:21 PM BST
Disappointment for Glasgow
10:19 PM BST
Leinster ‘seriously impressive’
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Scotland captain John Barclay said: “Glasgow had to be in the game at half-time, but they weren’t. It was done after 25 minutes. What Leinster have is seriously impressive.”
10:17 PM BST
The player of the match
Jordie Barrett earned the player of the match award after a superb display at inside centre.
10:09 PM BST
Wait for semi goes on for Glasgow
Glasgow, who were in just their third Champions Cup quarter-final, must continue their wait for a first-ever spot in the last four.
For Franco Smith’s side, attention returns to the United Rugby Championship, where they currently sit second, trailing Leinster by eight points.
10:04 PM BST
‘Cullen will be delighted’, says Madigan
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Ireland fly-half Ian Madigan said: “That was a special day for Leinster. Leo Cullen will be delighted with that.”
10:02 PM BST
‘We have to keep getting better’, says Barrett
Leinster centre Jordie Barrett, speaking to Premier Sports: “I guess it’s easy for a side to do it once, but we showed character to back it up and do it again six days later. We respect Glasgow as a side, they have attacking threats everywhere so it was imperative we started well.”
On not letting complacency set in: “It can, but that was our challenge. If you care enough then you won’t let that be. We prepared really well and we had to work for it in that first half. They are a team who throw punches and don’t go away, so I’m very proud of that performance.
“It’s nice and something we’ve been working on. It’s nice to put it out here when it matters. We have to keep getting better. That’s our challenge and take care of what’s in front of us.”
09:55 PM BST
‘Glasgow weren’t given a chance’, says Kearney
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Ireland and Leinster full-back Rob Kearney said: “Glasgow didn’t fire a shot tonight. We were disappointed with what they offered but they weren’t given a chance.”
09:53 PM BST
‘Not far off perfection’, says Barclay
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Scotland captain John Barclay said: “It’s mightily impressive. There will be bigger challenges ahead, but that wasn’t far off perfection from Leinster this evening.”
09:51 PM BST
Leinster into the last four
Leinster, who have now scored 142 unanswered points in Europe, progress to the semi-finals where they will face either Northampton or Castres.
09:49 PM BST
Full time: Leinster 52 Glasgow Warriors 0
Sheehan and McGrath look like they’ve caught Glasgow out with a quick line-out but the latter’s pass went forwards. Sheehan will be disappointed there as that could have easily been a second for him.
With the clock in the red, the home side come forward for one last attack but it’s knocked on and that brings another Leinster masterclass to an end.
09:46 PM BST
TRY! Deegan scores his second of the day
Leinster 52 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Deegan) From the line-out, Leinster work it from left to right and O’Brien nearly crosses in the corner but is denied by a great tackle from Dobie.
The hosts work it back to the left though and Byrne’s crossfield kick picks out Deegan and he can cross unchallenged in the corner for his second and his side’s eighth.
Byrne pushes his conversion just wide of the posts but his side have the half-century.
“That is just unbelievable!” 🎙️
Max Deegan with his second @leinsterrugby try after a brilliant Ross Byrne crossfield kick 🔥#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/hFwYnV3XNf
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
09:43 PM BST
76 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
There is a TMO check for a challenge from Jordan targetting Barrett’s his lower leg. The referee decides there is a low degree of danger so it’s just the penalty and no further punishment.
As Leinster kick for the corner, Barrett is awarded player of the match and the Aviva agree with that decision.
09:41 PM BST
75 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow can put together a number of attacking phases but they are just being forced backwards. McGrath is penalised for playing the nine though and Hastings finds touch inside the Leinster 22.
They are forced back once again though before Doris forces the turn over and Leinster continue to suffocate Glasgow with their defence.
09:36 PM BST
71 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster come out on top from the Glasgow line-out though so the chance may be wasted once again. Having said that, McGrath’s clearance is poor and doesn’t go far before finding touch.
Glasgow knock it on in the maul though and O’Brien can clear into the visitors’ half.
09:34 PM BST
69 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Fagerson, with his leg strapped in a brace, is being driven off on a stretcher and receives a warm round of applause from the Aviva.
As play resumes, Leinster earn the advantage with Doris penalised for playing the nine at the breakdown and Glasgow can kick for the corner for a rare attacking chance.
09:31 PM BST
67 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
It’s looking like Fagerson won’t be able to continue here with a stretcher being brought on now. Another injury blow for Glasgow and it is Cancelliere coming on in his place, so a back for a forward.
09:28 PM BST
67 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Farrell appears on the big screen and gets a big cheer from the Aviva. There will be plenty of Lions contenders in this Leinster side. Prendergast, who has made way now, has made a particularly strong case for himself this evening.
Fagerson goes down and looks to be in some pain here, clutching his left leg, so there will be a brief pause in play.
09:25 PM BST
65 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Barrett’s kick dribbles into touch just in front of the Glasgow try-line and the visitors will have to escape from deep here.
The line-out is loose and Leinster nearly latch onto it but it’s knocked on and Glasgow have the scrum.
09:23 PM BST
62 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are eyeing up the half-century as they threaten down the right with Snyman at the heart of things but O’Brien is pushed into touch.
Glasgow can clear following the line-out but it doesn’t go far and it will be coming right back at them.
09:20 PM BST
TRY! Sheehan crosses soon after coming on
Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Sheehan) Following the line-out down the left, Van der Flier quickly peels away from the maul before playing an overhead pass to Sheehan on the outside and the replacement can cross in the corner.
It’s another good conversion from Prendergast from out wide with a sweet strike.
09:18 PM BST
57 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow knock it on but they have the advantage and can kick for the corner again. Their maul is dealt with by Leinster before they work it back out to Hastings on the right but he is scooped into touch by Barrett.
Van der Flier breaks the defensive line of Glasgow before Du Preez is penalised, for taking up an offside position, and Prendergast kicks into touch down Leinster’s left.
09:14 PM BST
54 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow have the advantage following the scrum and they take it quickly down their right after play is brought back. Keenan is then penalised for slapping it out the hands of Steyn.
Before the line-out can be taken, Henshaw is on for his 100th Leinster appearance. As play does resume, Glasgow quickly earn the advantage once again at the maul.
09:11 PM BST
51 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Barrett makes his fourth turnover of the game as Glasgow threaten in the Leinster 22 and the hosts have the scrum.
Gibson-Park brings it away but Doris spills it and Glasgow will now have the scrum on the edge of the 22.
09:09 PM BST
TRY! Ringrose powers over to extend lead further
Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Ringrose) Leinster turn it over once again at the breakdown through Kelleher this time and Prendergast can burst into the 22.
The ball is worked to Ringrose and he sidesteps a couple of challenges before a fending off a couple more and he is able to reach for the line as he is eventually dragged to the ground.
Prendergast converts once again and the hosts are 40 up.
“A stretch and another score!” 🎙️
Garry Ringrose with @leinsterrugby‘s sixth try in a dominant display at the Aviva 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/tXJXmal5R1
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
09:07 PM BST
46 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Porter carries his side into the Glasgow 22 but the move breaks down as O’Brien looks to to play an audacious pass between the legs after a low pass was played to him.
09:04 PM BST
43 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow put together one of their best moves of the match right at the start of this half as they a string a number of phases together before Hastings finds a gap to take them into the Leinster 22.
Eventually though, O’Brien forces the foul at the breakdown as Fagerson is penalised for holding on. Better though from the visitors.
09:01 PM BST
41 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
We are back underway at the Aviva Stadium with Glasgow kicking things off going from left to right. Can they get themselves back in this one? Probably not.
09:00 PM BST
Kearney: ‘Leinster will keep going’
Speaking on Premier Sports, Rob Kearney said: “Leinster will keep going and keep wanting more. Their bench is incredibly strong.”
08:59 PM BST
Leinster on fire
Leinster have now scored 123 unanswered points in Europe. Can anyone stop them this season?
08:55 PM BST
Ruthless from Leinster
08:46 PM BST
Half-time: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster give away the foul at the breakdown and Glasgow can find touch down their left inside the home side’s 22. Can they make a rare opportunity count?
Barrett does superbly to rip the ball from Jordan as Glasgow threaten down the right and Lowe is able to clear. Barrett has been fabulous in the first half.
Glasgow kick over the Leinster defence but Lowe calls the mark with the ball beyond the try-line and the first-half comes to an end. Simply relentless from the hosts.
08:41 PM BST
TRY! Keenan gets in on the act following Prendergast magic
Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Keenan) Leinster can drive up to Glasgow’s 22 before the ball is worked to the right to Prendergast.
The fly-half feints to go outside before dropping a shoulder back inside and he nudges a grubber-kick through for Keenan to run onto unchallenged for a Leinster fourth.
Prendergast converts form under the posts.
08:38 PM BST
34 mins: Leinster 26 Glasgow Warriors 0
Hastings is back on the pitch but there has been some serious damage done in his 10-minute absence.
Leinster win the penalty but Prendergast fails to find touch and Rowe can clear, not very far though.
08:36 PM BST
TRY! O’Brien adds quickfire fourth
Leinster 26 Glasgow Warriors 0 (O’Brien) Leinster are making the most of the man-advantage as they move the ball really swiftly from left to right following the line-out with some crisp passing and O’Brien shows some excellent feet and a turn of pace to cross in the corner.
Prendergast converts well from out wide on the right. It’s looking like a long evening for the visitors.
Fantastic @leinsterrugby score 👏
Tommy O’Brien with a great step and finish to score his side’s fourth try of the half 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/v5J8FdupKX
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:34 PM BST
28 mins: Leinster 19 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are coming back for more as Barrett forces the turnover at the breakdown. Gibson-Park pokes it in behind but Rowe is sweeping up well and does well to clear.
08:32 PM BST
TRY! Lowe crosses in the corner for Leinster’s third
Leinster 19 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Lowe) With Leinster well inside their own half, Prendergast spots a gap in the Glasgow defence and darts through.
He is able to drive over halfway before nudging the ball towards the try-line for himself and Gibson-Park to chase. Rowe gets there first but is tackled by Gibson-Park and the hosts have the scrum from five metres out.
From the scrum, Gibson-Park instantly sprays a sensational pass out to Lowe on the left and he can cross in the corner.
The conversion isn’t there but Leinster are looking in a seriously ruthless mood.
“One looping pass and they’ve plucked out another absolute ace!” 🎙️
Jamison Gibson-Park with the assist for James Lowe who scores @leinsterrugby‘s third try without an answer from Glasgow Warriors 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/QCcVOb4ZlK
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:28 PM BST
Penalty try! Leinster extend lead as Hastings sees yellow
Leinster 14 Glasgow Warriors 0 Leinster turn it over inside the Glasgow 22 through O’Brien before Prendergast’s crossfield kick picks out Kelleher down the home side’s left.
He steps inside before looking to pop it off to Ringrose but Hastings intercepts with a deliberate knock-on, preventing the almost guaranteed try and he sees yellow as the penalty try is awarded.
08:25 PM BST
22 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow are penalised for pulling Snyman’s arm at the line-out and Prendergast can find touch down Leinster’s right for the line-out inside Glasgow’s 22.
Darge does superbly to flick the line-out Glasgow’s way though and the visitors can clear.
08:23 PM BST
20 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow work it well from the line-out with Jordan carrying his side close to the 22 but Leinster force the knock on before Prendergast finds touch deep in the visitors’ half.
A few moments later and Rowe blocks O’Brien’s attempted kick and chase and bursts down Glasgow’s left, brushing off the challenge of Prendergast, but loses the race with Barrett as he looks to nudge it beyond the inside centre to the try-line.
Barrett then shows superb composure to step beyond the Glasgow full-back before kicking deep into the Glasgow 22.
08:19 PM BST
16 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Conan looks to be in some serious pain following that try and he is going to have make way early on for Leinster. Doris is on in his place – not a bad replacement.
Prendergast shows some nice handling to gather Glasgow’s nudge down the right but Ringrose is then forced into touch and the visitors have the line-out just outside the home side’s 22.
08:17 PM BST
TRY! Deegan crosses for first try of the evening
Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Deegan) Leinster move the ball quickly following the line-out on the right before O’Brien darts through a gap to take his side into the Glasgow 22.
The forwards drive well to take them within five or 10 metres before a couple of quick passes from Barrett and O’Brien free Deegan to cross in the right corner.
Prendergast converts wonderfully from out wide.
Max Deegan opens the scoring! 🔵
The @leinsterrugby man goes over in the corner and finishes off a slick team move 👏#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/AAjhyvtsSB
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:15 PM BST
13 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster continue to pile the pressure on following the disallowed try but they spill it at the breakdown and the visitors will have the scrum just ahead of their own 22.
Ringrose forces Glasgow to spill it following the scrum with a big hit and while Dobie can recover to gather the loose ball, his clearance doesn’t get far before finding touch.
08:12 PM BST
Disallowed try! Barrett denied opening try by TMO
Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0 Glasgow are penalised for being offside at the breakdown and Prendergast can kick into the corner down the home side’s left. Can they turn this into a maul for the line?
Glasgow manage to pull the maul down but Leinster work it inside and Ringrose and Barrett combine before the latter bursts through a couple of challenges to cross under the posts.
There is a TMO check for a knock-on though and replays show Ringrose dropped it forwards before the ball was flicked back to Barrett so the try is disallowed.
08:08 PM BST
7 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Dobie goes close to intercepting Barrett’s pass but he knocks it on. He could have been in if he had held it there.
Leinster are dominant at the scrum before threatening down their left but Glasgow do superbly to force the turnover at the breakdown. There was a glorious out-the-back from Lowe in that last Leinster move to keep the move alive.
08:06 PM BST
5 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are then penalised at the line-out and Glasgow can kick into touch down their left for the line-out in Leinster’s half. The visitors produce some quick hands to work it inside and back out to the left but Fagerson’s pass is over the head of Darge and out into touch.
Gibson-Park clears high into the Dublin sky but Dobie claims it superbly in the air under pressure from the chaser. That will be a nice confidence-builder.
08:03 PM BST
3 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Horne’s clearance finds touch and Leinster have an early line-out in the opposition half. The visitors are penalised at the line-out and Gibson-Park takes it quickly.
The hosts are moving the ball along nicely but Barrett spills it and Glasgow can clear before Prendergast produces an enormous clearance back into the visitors’ half and into touch.
08:00 PM BST
1 min: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
We are underway at the Aviva Stadium with Leinster and Prendergast kicking things off going from left to right in this opening period.
The referee this evening is Luke Pearce.
07:55 PM BST
Kick-off approaching
We are just five minutes away from kick-off at the Aviva Stadium where conditions look perfect.
Can Glasgow upset the odds and progress to their first-ever Champions Cup semi-final or will Leinster take one step closer to a fourth successive final? The action begins shortly.
07:52 PM BST
Potential milestone for Henshaw
Robbie Henshaw will make his 100th Leinster appearance if he is introduced from the bench this evening.
07:50 PM BST
Barrett expecting ‘challenge’ from Glasgow
Leinster’s Jordie Barrett told RTE thsi week: “If we don’t get our jobs right this weekend, well, then there’s no more European rugby for us, it’s as simple as that.
“Glasgow are a good side. They play a lot of rugby, a very attacking side. They’re tough as well, as they showed in the weekend against Leicester.
“So it’s going to be a challenge. They’re a very strong one-to-eight and they play with a lot of ball and kick the least in the URC.
“They’re a confident side, they do back their ability. But, look, we’re right up for the challenge.
“We respect them as an outfit. But we feel like we’re heading in the right direction here too.”
07:46 PM BST
Leinster ‘all world-class players’, says Matthews
Speaking this week about the last 16 win over Leicester and looking ahead to tonight’s game, Glasgow hooker Johnny Matthews told BBC: “It’s always good when you can put that amount of points on a team that’s going very well on the Premiership and still be disappointed with some areas of the game.
“One of Franco’s main things is we don’t have to lose to learn. We’re still always trying to improve and still always trying to get better.
“You look at Leinster in the URC this season. They’ve set the standard and, historically, they might not have won the Champions Cup in the past few years, but they’re always there or thereabouts and they’re always one of the names in the mix.
“They have probably one of the most stacked teams in the world, certainly in the URC and in Europe. They’re all world-class players.
“But we feel we’ve got the right tools to take them down. It’s going to be a really good challenge for us, but we want to relish it and we can’t wait to get stuck into them on Friday.”
07:43 PM BST
Leinster’s ruthless form this season
Leinster are in imperious form having won 18 of their 19 matches in all competitions this season.
The solitary defeat did come just three weeks ago away at Bulls but it was by a single point and they were without several key figures following the Six Nations.
Despite the defeat, the Irish side remain eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship.
07:40 PM BST
When the sides last met
Glasgow triumphed when these sides last met in the URC, winning 43-25 on the opening day of last season. Leinster were without their Irish international contingent on the day, though.
The URC champions will be back at the Aviva again in May in the final round of the regular season.
07:37 PM BST
Warm-ups underway
07:34 PM BST
Glasgow’s last 16 milestone
Glasgow’s Champions Cup campaign started with a 38-19 win at home over Sale Sharks before they were beaten by just one point away at Toulon a week later.
They got back to winning ways with a 29-19 victory over Racing 92 and despite a 24-7 loss away at Harlequins to conclude the pool stage, they progressed through in second.
This earned Franco Smith’s side their first-ever home tie in the knockout stages and they capitalised on the home support, thumping Leicester Tigers 43-19 in the last 16.
07:30 PM BST
Leinster’s route to the last eight
Leinster have enjoyed a flawless Champions Cup so far, winning all four of their pool stage games before thumping Harlequins in the last 16.
Victory away at Bristol kicked off their tournament before a low-scoring triumph at home against Clermont a week later.
A narrow victory away at La Rochelle made it three from three before top spot in the pool was wrapped up with a comfortable victory at home against Bath.
Leo Cullen’s men then made light work of Harlequins, beating the Premiership side 62-0 at Croke Park to reach the quarter-finals.
07:25 PM BST
Cullen on six changes to Harlequins win
On the reasoning behind his changes, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “That’s some of the selections, making sure we’ve guys who are fresh mentally coming into it.
“They know there’s other guys who are beating the door down to get the opportunity.
“There’s genuine excitement to get out playing again.
“It’s a genuine excitement to play again, we’re at the Aviva and the atmosphere has worked really well there. It’s a great ground, nice time of year and an enjoyable time to play. It’s an incredible privilege and lads just need to savour the moment.”
07:20 PM BST
Leinster ‘definitely the favourites’, says Smith
Franco Smith has said his Glasgow Warriors side must have the absolute belief they can pull off a huge upset this evening.
“Leinster are top of the log in the URC, they’ve got a squad with huge depth,” Smith told BBC Scotland.
“They are probably the most talked about team in world rugby at the moment, so it will be probably the toughest task we’ve had in a very long time.
“Of course you must go there with a mindset that you can achieve on the day. Looking forward to a big challenge, but they are definitely the favourites.”
07:15 PM BST
Leinster looking to go one further this season
Leinster will be desperate for their first Champions Cup title since 2018 having been beaten in the last three finals.
The Irish side lost out against La Rochelle on two occasions before Toulouse claimed the title last year.
07:10 PM BST
At stake this evening
The winner of tonight’s tie will set up a semi-final clash against either Northampton Saints or Castres, who meet tomorrow evening.
07:06 PM BST
Full Champions Cup quarter-final fixture list
Friday, 11 April
- Leinster v Glasgow Warriors (20:00)
Saturday, 12 April
- Bordeaux Begles v Munster (15:00)
- Northampton Saints v Castres (17:30)
Sunday, 13 April
- Toulon v Toulouse (15:00)
07:01 PM BST
Those teams in full
Leinster: Keenan; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Barrett, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Healy, Kelleher, Furlong; McCarthy, RG Snyman; Deegan, Van der Flier, Conan (capt).
Replacements: Sheehan, Porter, Slimani, Mangan, Doris, McGrath, R Byrne, Henshaw.
Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Dobie, McDowall, Jordan, Steyn, Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Matthews, Talakai, Brown, Samuel, M Fagerson, Darge, Vailanu.
Replacements: Stewart, Bhatti, Schickerling, Du Preez, Williamson, Ferrie, Afshar, Cancelliere.
06:56 PM BST
Three changes for Glasgow as Fagerson ruled out
Glasgow make three changes from the win over Leicester with Scotland prop Zander Fagerson among those to miss out, through concussion.
Quarter Final Ready 💪
Your Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster tomorrow at the Aviva in the @ChampionsCup 🔥
📰 https://t.co/HnuDKpVPtM#WhateverItTakes | @MackenzieConstrpic.twitter.com/RCQyImztpd
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) April 10, 2025
06:51 PM BST
Six changes for Leinster as Barrett comes in
There are six changes to the Leinster side which started in the win over Harlequins last weekend with Jordie Barrett and Tadhg Furlong among those to come into this side while Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter and Caelan Doris all start from the bench.
𝙒𝙚 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 👊
🔥 Here is your Leinster Rugby team to face @GlasgowWarriors at Aviva Stadium in the quarter-finals of the @ChampionsCup tomorrow night.
Get your tickets here 👉 https://t.co/5gMZYkwv1D#LEIvGLA#NeverLessThanEverythingpic.twitter.com/FeVyS9UkDW
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 10, 2025
06:45 PM BST
Preview: Glasgow targetting first-ever semi-final as top two of URC meet in Dublin
Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals as Leinster host Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium. Tonight’s game sees the top two of the United Rugby Championship face off but it is the home side who are the favourites to progress to the last four.
Four-time champions Leinster hammered Harlequins 62-0 in the last 16 following a perfect pool stage in which they triumphed in all four of their games and they have lost just once in their 19 matches in all competitions this season.
Leinster’s solitary defeat came just three weeks ago as they were beaten by Bulls but they were without several key figures following Ireland’s Six Nations campaign and a host of these international stars returned in emphatic fashion against Harlequins last weekend.
Their ruthless form this season has them currently eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship ahead of last season’s champions Glasgow in second. The Scottish side, who earned their first-ever home knockout tie in the Champions Cup for the last 16, are hoping for another historic milestone this evening as they look to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Franco Smith’s side will have gained confidence from their 43-19 thumping of Leicester Tigers in the previous round at Scotstoun Stadium but have been dealt a huge blow for this evening’s tie with Scotland prop Zander Fagerson missing out as he goes through return-to-play protocols after a concussion.
They also face a Leinster side who will be desperate for European success having been beaten in three consecutive finals. The winner of tonight’s tie will set up a semi-final clash against either Northampton Saints or Castres, who meet tomorrow evening.
The blue procession continues towards Cardiff, where Leinster hope to end a seven-year wait for another Investec Champions Cup crown. This victory, setting up a Dublin semi-final at the beginning of May, was another dominant one that deprived the opposition of a single point.
Glasgow Warriors were horribly depleted by injuries to fine players in key positions, but Leinster dismissed them easily. Leo Cullen’s team consolidated a clinic against Harlequins with eight unanswered tries, bringing their aggregate score across two knockout rounds to 114-0.
Someone has to conduct the march, and Sam Prendergast delivered another polished audition for the British and Irish Lions tour in front of Andy Farrell and attack coach Andrew Goodman. There is an argument that one cannot learn too much about players in vastly superior sides. Prendergast, however, oozed quality indisputably.
He is cocooned by class in the Leinster team, of course. Jordie Barrett was staggeringly good at inside centre, plundering turnovers at will and conjuring beautiful touches in attack. Jamison Gibson-Park is a long distance ahead of the competition as front-runner for Lions scrum-half.
Others, such as Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose, would have nudged Farrell as well. Ireland’s flat finish to the Six Nations already feels like a long while ago.
Arguments against bringing Prendergast to Australia are fading away. Yes, he endured inevitably tricky patches during his maiden Six Nations. England started a trio of back-row scavengers and disrupted Ireland’s rhythm for an hour or so before an exceptional bench, including Jack Crowley, won the day.
Wales were on top for long periods at the Principality Stadium and France deserved their comfortable win at the Aviva Stadium. The eventual champions gave Prendergast a difficult afternoon; of that there can be no doubt. Yet the 22-year-old has emerged from those trials impressively.
There were perhaps two mistakes in his hour-long outing on Friday evening, which ended with Leinster 47-0 ahead. He failed with one of his six conversion attempts and, in the 32nd minute, he struck a penalty that was intercepted before crossing the touchline. That was about it.
Otherwise, he made smart and unselfish decisions on the ball, demonstrating a glittering array of skills. Prendergast was serene. He had an armchair ride, but it takes serious talent to look that good in any sort of vehicle. And even the most devastating of juggernauts have to be directed.
Barely 90 seconds had elapsed before Prendergast fielded a Jamie Dobie clearance in his own 22 and smacked a 60-metre spiral in the opposite direction. Glasgow were defiant for the opening 13 minutes or so before Prendergast slipped an inside pass to a rampaging Joe McCarthy. The gain-line was pierced and Barrett linked with Tommy O’Brien to release Max Deegan out wide.
A beautifully flat, cross-field kick-pass to Ronan Kelleher led to the second Leinster score, a penalty try, and Prendergast scented blood then with Adam Hastings in the sin bin. He took a Tadhg Furlong pull-back pass and ghosted between two tight-five forwards up the middle. His grubber ahead brought about a try from which Leinster bagged a third try after Gibson-Park flung a beauty to James Lowe.
Prendergast possesses unmistakable poise on the ball and boasts remarkable range in his passing and kicking. Those traits occasionally cause you to forget about his athleticism. He can accelerate through holes and spring high off the floor. Against Harlequins, he rose to make an eye-catching overhead catch in the back-field.
A swift take-and-give to Hugo Keenan decorated the build-up to O’Brien’s second, a straightforward set-piece move, and the next try was almost cruel. Under duress from Leinster’s lightning phase play, Glasgow grew ragged. Prendergast stepped off his right foot to straighten a little and then threaded the ball through for Keenan to pounce upon.
After half-time, before the introduction of Ross Byrne in his place, there was time for two more tries and a tough piece of defence. Tom Jordan speared into midfield and Prendergast stood tall, holding up the carrier to win a maul turnover with the help of Barrett and Van der Flier.
His tackling at Test level has attracted criticism but he is definitely courageous. With the great Jacques Nienaber as his defence coach at provincial level, Prendergast cannot help but to grow steelier.
Competition for Lions spots is clearly significant. Finn Russell is the favourite of many. Crowley deserves to be in the conversation. George Ford would be a positive and canny presence. Fin Smith will want to steer Northampton Saints into a Champions Cup contest against Leinster, which would be staged days before Farrell unveils his squad.
Farrell’s own position is interesting. He will return to the role of Ireland head coach after the tour. With the 2027 World Cup in Australia, too, there may be a temptation to take Prendergast as a way of familiarising him ahead of that tournament.
That is probably not in the spirit of a Lions tour, but Prendergast would not be a token pick. He has plenty going for him anyway; not least a knowledge of how Farrell and other Lions coaches operate as well as an innate synergy with the hordes of Leinster stars intent on snapping a run of three consecutive losses in the Champions Cup final.
Manage that, and many will trade blue for Lions red in the summer. Prendergast, a precocious playmaker for the present as well as the future, is building a compelling case to join his senior colleagues.
10:35 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Leinster’s Champions Cup victory over Glasgow Warriors to an end. They move on to the semi-final’s where they will face either Castres or Northampton. Thanks for joining us!
10:34 PM BST
‘Glasgow bullied in every part of the game’, says Smith
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith told Premier Sports: “They were brilliant. I’m not even going to make excuses from our side, they were just brilliant.
“It was the first time that we’ve been completely bullied in every part of the game.
“As coaches we keep on telling players we need to improve, there’s more required, there’s a difference between club and international level.
“If you play an international team like this you realise that you see the difference. You understand the work that needs to be done may that be on the gym, on the field, the decision-making, how you handle pressure, how you manage the game.
“No better place to experience that first hand.”
10:28 PM BST
Defeat will ‘dent Glasgow confidence’, says Wilson
Speaking on Premier Sports, Former Glasgow Warriors player said: “It will dent their confidence but all their focus is on the URC. I just can’t emphasise how much it was Leinster’s doing today. They take on Zebre next week and go after the URC instead.”
10:26 PM BST
Leinster ‘hungry and motivated’, says Cullen
Leinster head coach told Premier Sports: “There is a good desire there at the moment. We had a great day last week at Croke Park, a six-day turnaround and the guys added freshness.
“We’re into the next round and Ulster are here next week in the URC. The group is hungry and motivated at the moment, and that’s what we want to see.
“The big thing is putting on a performance. For now, enjoy the weekend. The joy of playing on a Friday is enjoying watching everyone bashing lumps out of each other in the other three games. Everyone wants to be involved. Everyone just needs to be ready. We want to make sure we keep growing.”
10:23 PM BST
Still to come this weekend
Friday, 11 April
- Leinster 52-0 Glasgow Warriors (20:00)
Saturday, 12 April
- Bordeaux Begles v Munster (15:00)
- Northampton Saints v Castres (17:30)
Sunday, 6 April
- Toulon v Toulouse (15:00)
10:21 PM BST
Disappointment for Glasgow
10:19 PM BST
Leinster ‘seriously impressive’
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Scotland captain John Barclay said: “Glasgow had to be in the game at half-time, but they weren’t. It was done after 25 minutes. What Leinster have is seriously impressive.”
10:17 PM BST
The player of the match
Jordie Barrett earned the player of the match award after a superb display at inside centre.
10:09 PM BST
Wait for semi goes on for Glasgow
Glasgow, who were in just their third Champions Cup quarter-final, must continue their wait for a first-ever spot in the last four.
For Franco Smith’s side, attention returns to the United Rugby Championship, where they currently sit second, trailing Leinster by eight points.
10:04 PM BST
‘Cullen will be delighted’, says Madigan
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Ireland fly-half Ian Madigan said: “That was a special day for Leinster. Leo Cullen will be delighted with that.”
10:02 PM BST
‘We have to keep getting better’, says Barrett
Leinster centre Jordie Barrett, speaking to Premier Sports: “I guess it’s easy for a side to do it once, but we showed character to back it up and do it again six days later. We respect Glasgow as a side, they have attacking threats everywhere so it was imperative we started well.”
On not letting complacency set in: “It can, but that was our challenge. If you care enough then you won’t let that be. We prepared really well and we had to work for it in that first half. They are a team who throw punches and don’t go away, so I’m very proud of that performance.
“It’s nice and something we’ve been working on. It’s nice to put it out here when it matters. We have to keep getting better. That’s our challenge and take care of what’s in front of us.”
09:55 PM BST
‘Glasgow weren’t given a chance’, says Kearney
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Ireland and Leinster full-back Rob Kearney said: “Glasgow didn’t fire a shot tonight. We were disappointed with what they offered but they weren’t given a chance.”
09:53 PM BST
‘Not far off perfection’, says Barclay
Speaking on Premier Sports, former Scotland captain John Barclay said: “It’s mightily impressive. There will be bigger challenges ahead, but that wasn’t far off perfection from Leinster this evening.”
09:51 PM BST
Leinster into the last four
Leinster, who have now scored 142 unanswered points in Europe, progress to the semi-finals where they will face either Northampton or Castres.
09:49 PM BST
Full time: Leinster 52 Glasgow Warriors 0
Sheehan and McGrath look like they’ve caught Glasgow out with a quick line-out but the latter’s pass went forwards. Sheehan will be disappointed there as that could have easily been a second for him.
With the clock in the red, the home side come forward for one last attack but it’s knocked on and that brings another Leinster masterclass to an end.
09:46 PM BST
TRY! Deegan scores his second of the day
Leinster 52 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Deegan) From the line-out, Leinster work it from left to right and O’Brien nearly crosses in the corner but is denied by a great tackle from Dobie.
The hosts work it back to the left though and Byrne’s crossfield kick picks out Deegan and he can cross unchallenged in the corner for his second and his side’s eighth.
Byrne pushes his conversion just wide of the posts but his side have the half-century.
“That is just unbelievable!” 🎙️
Max Deegan with his second @leinsterrugby try after a brilliant Ross Byrne crossfield kick 🔥#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/hFwYnV3XNf
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
09:43 PM BST
76 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
There is a TMO check for a challenge from Jordan targetting Barrett’s his lower leg. The referee decides there is a low degree of danger so it’s just the penalty and no further punishment.
As Leinster kick for the corner, Barrett is awarded player of the match and the Aviva agree with that decision.
09:41 PM BST
75 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow can put together a number of attacking phases but they are just being forced backwards. McGrath is penalised for playing the nine though and Hastings finds touch inside the Leinster 22.
They are forced back once again though before Doris forces the turn over and Leinster continue to suffocate Glasgow with their defence.
09:36 PM BST
71 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster come out on top from the Glasgow line-out though so the chance may be wasted once again. Having said that, McGrath’s clearance is poor and doesn’t go far before finding touch.
Glasgow knock it on in the maul though and O’Brien can clear into the visitors’ half.
09:34 PM BST
69 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Fagerson, with his leg strapped in a brace, is being driven off on a stretcher and receives a warm round of applause from the Aviva.
As play resumes, Leinster earn the advantage with Doris penalised for playing the nine at the breakdown and Glasgow can kick for the corner for a rare attacking chance.
09:31 PM BST
67 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
It’s looking like Fagerson won’t be able to continue here with a stretcher being brought on now. Another injury blow for Glasgow and it is Cancelliere coming on in his place, so a back for a forward.
09:28 PM BST
67 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Farrell appears on the big screen and gets a big cheer from the Aviva. There will be plenty of Lions contenders in this Leinster side. Prendergast, who has made way now, has made a particularly strong case for himself this evening.
Fagerson goes down and looks to be in some pain here, clutching his left leg, so there will be a brief pause in play.
09:25 PM BST
65 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Barrett’s kick dribbles into touch just in front of the Glasgow try-line and the visitors will have to escape from deep here.
The line-out is loose and Leinster nearly latch onto it but it’s knocked on and Glasgow have the scrum.
09:23 PM BST
62 mins: Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are eyeing up the half-century as they threaten down the right with Snyman at the heart of things but O’Brien is pushed into touch.
Glasgow can clear following the line-out but it doesn’t go far and it will be coming right back at them.
09:20 PM BST
TRY! Sheehan crosses soon after coming on
Leinster 47 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Sheehan) Following the line-out down the left, Van der Flier quickly peels away from the maul before playing an overhead pass to Sheehan on the outside and the replacement can cross in the corner.
It’s another good conversion from Prendergast from out wide with a sweet strike.
09:18 PM BST
57 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow knock it on but they have the advantage and can kick for the corner again. Their maul is dealt with by Leinster before they work it back out to Hastings on the right but he is scooped into touch by Barrett.
Van der Flier breaks the defensive line of Glasgow before Du Preez is penalised, for taking up an offside position, and Prendergast kicks into touch down Leinster’s left.
09:14 PM BST
54 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow have the advantage following the scrum and they take it quickly down their right after play is brought back. Keenan is then penalised for slapping it out the hands of Steyn.
Before the line-out can be taken, Henshaw is on for his 100th Leinster appearance. As play does resume, Glasgow quickly earn the advantage once again at the maul.
09:11 PM BST
51 mins: Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0
Barrett makes his fourth turnover of the game as Glasgow threaten in the Leinster 22 and the hosts have the scrum.
Gibson-Park brings it away but Doris spills it and Glasgow will now have the scrum on the edge of the 22.
09:09 PM BST
TRY! Ringrose powers over to extend lead further
Leinster 40 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Ringrose) Leinster turn it over once again at the breakdown through Kelleher this time and Prendergast can burst into the 22.
The ball is worked to Ringrose and he sidesteps a couple of challenges before a fending off a couple more and he is able to reach for the line as he is eventually dragged to the ground.
Prendergast converts once again and the hosts are 40 up.
“A stretch and another score!” 🎙️
Garry Ringrose with @leinsterrugby‘s sixth try in a dominant display at the Aviva 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/tXJXmal5R1
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
09:07 PM BST
46 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Porter carries his side into the Glasgow 22 but the move breaks down as O’Brien looks to to play an audacious pass between the legs after a low pass was played to him.
09:04 PM BST
43 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow put together one of their best moves of the match right at the start of this half as they a string a number of phases together before Hastings finds a gap to take them into the Leinster 22.
Eventually though, O’Brien forces the foul at the breakdown as Fagerson is penalised for holding on. Better though from the visitors.
09:01 PM BST
41 mins: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
We are back underway at the Aviva Stadium with Glasgow kicking things off going from left to right. Can they get themselves back in this one? Probably not.
09:00 PM BST
Kearney: ‘Leinster will keep going’
Speaking on Premier Sports, Rob Kearney said: “Leinster will keep going and keep wanting more. Their bench is incredibly strong.”
08:59 PM BST
Leinster on fire
Leinster have now scored 123 unanswered points in Europe. Can anyone stop them this season?
08:55 PM BST
Ruthless from Leinster
08:46 PM BST
Half-time: Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster give away the foul at the breakdown and Glasgow can find touch down their left inside the home side’s 22. Can they make a rare opportunity count?
Barrett does superbly to rip the ball from Jordan as Glasgow threaten down the right and Lowe is able to clear. Barrett has been fabulous in the first half.
Glasgow kick over the Leinster defence but Lowe calls the mark with the ball beyond the try-line and the first-half comes to an end. Simply relentless from the hosts.
08:41 PM BST
TRY! Keenan gets in on the act following Prendergast magic
Leinster 33 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Keenan) Leinster can drive up to Glasgow’s 22 before the ball is worked to the right to Prendergast.
The fly-half feints to go outside before dropping a shoulder back inside and he nudges a grubber-kick through for Keenan to run onto unchallenged for a Leinster fourth.
Prendergast converts form under the posts.
08:38 PM BST
34 mins: Leinster 26 Glasgow Warriors 0
Hastings is back on the pitch but there has been some serious damage done in his 10-minute absence.
Leinster win the penalty but Prendergast fails to find touch and Rowe can clear, not very far though.
08:36 PM BST
TRY! O’Brien adds quickfire fourth
Leinster 26 Glasgow Warriors 0 (O’Brien) Leinster are making the most of the man-advantage as they move the ball really swiftly from left to right following the line-out with some crisp passing and O’Brien shows some excellent feet and a turn of pace to cross in the corner.
Prendergast converts well from out wide on the right. It’s looking like a long evening for the visitors.
Fantastic @leinsterrugby score 👏
Tommy O’Brien with a great step and finish to score his side’s fourth try of the half 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/v5J8FdupKX
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:34 PM BST
28 mins: Leinster 19 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are coming back for more as Barrett forces the turnover at the breakdown. Gibson-Park pokes it in behind but Rowe is sweeping up well and does well to clear.
08:32 PM BST
TRY! Lowe crosses in the corner for Leinster’s third
Leinster 19 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Lowe) With Leinster well inside their own half, Prendergast spots a gap in the Glasgow defence and darts through.
He is able to drive over halfway before nudging the ball towards the try-line for himself and Gibson-Park to chase. Rowe gets there first but is tackled by Gibson-Park and the hosts have the scrum from five metres out.
From the scrum, Gibson-Park instantly sprays a sensational pass out to Lowe on the left and he can cross in the corner.
The conversion isn’t there but Leinster are looking in a seriously ruthless mood.
“One looping pass and they’ve plucked out another absolute ace!” 🎙️
Jamison Gibson-Park with the assist for James Lowe who scores @leinsterrugby‘s third try without an answer from Glasgow Warriors 🔵#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/QCcVOb4ZlK
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:28 PM BST
Penalty try! Leinster extend lead as Hastings sees yellow
Leinster 14 Glasgow Warriors 0 Leinster turn it over inside the Glasgow 22 through O’Brien before Prendergast’s crossfield kick picks out Kelleher down the home side’s left.
He steps inside before looking to pop it off to Ringrose but Hastings intercepts with a deliberate knock-on, preventing the almost guaranteed try and he sees yellow as the penalty try is awarded.
08:25 PM BST
22 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow are penalised for pulling Snyman’s arm at the line-out and Prendergast can find touch down Leinster’s right for the line-out inside Glasgow’s 22.
Darge does superbly to flick the line-out Glasgow’s way though and the visitors can clear.
08:23 PM BST
20 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Glasgow work it well from the line-out with Jordan carrying his side close to the 22 but Leinster force the knock on before Prendergast finds touch deep in the visitors’ half.
A few moments later and Rowe blocks O’Brien’s attempted kick and chase and bursts down Glasgow’s left, brushing off the challenge of Prendergast, but loses the race with Barrett as he looks to nudge it beyond the inside centre to the try-line.
Barrett then shows superb composure to step beyond the Glasgow full-back before kicking deep into the Glasgow 22.
08:19 PM BST
16 mins: Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0
Conan looks to be in some serious pain following that try and he is going to have make way early on for Leinster. Doris is on in his place – not a bad replacement.
Prendergast shows some nice handling to gather Glasgow’s nudge down the right but Ringrose is then forced into touch and the visitors have the line-out just outside the home side’s 22.
08:17 PM BST
TRY! Deegan crosses for first try of the evening
Leinster 7 Glasgow Warriors 0 (Deegan) Leinster move the ball quickly following the line-out on the right before O’Brien darts through a gap to take his side into the Glasgow 22.
The forwards drive well to take them within five or 10 metres before a couple of quick passes from Barrett and O’Brien free Deegan to cross in the right corner.
Prendergast converts wonderfully from out wide.
Max Deegan opens the scoring! 🔵
The @leinsterrugby man goes over in the corner and finishes off a slick team move 👏#InvestecChampionsCuppic.twitter.com/AAjhyvtsSB
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 11, 2025
08:15 PM BST
13 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster continue to pile the pressure on following the disallowed try but they spill it at the breakdown and the visitors will have the scrum just ahead of their own 22.
Ringrose forces Glasgow to spill it following the scrum with a big hit and while Dobie can recover to gather the loose ball, his clearance doesn’t get far before finding touch.
08:12 PM BST
Disallowed try! Barrett denied opening try by TMO
Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0 Glasgow are penalised for being offside at the breakdown and Prendergast can kick into the corner down the home side’s left. Can they turn this into a maul for the line?
Glasgow manage to pull the maul down but Leinster work it inside and Ringrose and Barrett combine before the latter bursts through a couple of challenges to cross under the posts.
There is a TMO check for a knock-on though and replays show Ringrose dropped it forwards before the ball was flicked back to Barrett so the try is disallowed.
08:08 PM BST
7 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Dobie goes close to intercepting Barrett’s pass but he knocks it on. He could have been in if he had held it there.
Leinster are dominant at the scrum before threatening down their left but Glasgow do superbly to force the turnover at the breakdown. There was a glorious out-the-back from Lowe in that last Leinster move to keep the move alive.
08:06 PM BST
5 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Leinster are then penalised at the line-out and Glasgow can kick into touch down their left for the line-out in Leinster’s half. The visitors produce some quick hands to work it inside and back out to the left but Fagerson’s pass is over the head of Darge and out into touch.
Gibson-Park clears high into the Dublin sky but Dobie claims it superbly in the air under pressure from the chaser. That will be a nice confidence-builder.
08:03 PM BST
3 mins: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
Horne’s clearance finds touch and Leinster have an early line-out in the opposition half. The visitors are penalised at the line-out and Gibson-Park takes it quickly.
The hosts are moving the ball along nicely but Barrett spills it and Glasgow can clear before Prendergast produces an enormous clearance back into the visitors’ half and into touch.
08:00 PM BST
1 min: Leinster 0 Glasgow Warriors 0
We are underway at the Aviva Stadium with Leinster and Prendergast kicking things off going from left to right in this opening period.
The referee this evening is Luke Pearce.
07:55 PM BST
Kick-off approaching
We are just five minutes away from kick-off at the Aviva Stadium where conditions look perfect.
Can Glasgow upset the odds and progress to their first-ever Champions Cup semi-final or will Leinster take one step closer to a fourth successive final? The action begins shortly.
07:52 PM BST
Potential milestone for Henshaw
Robbie Henshaw will make his 100th Leinster appearance if he is introduced from the bench this evening.
07:50 PM BST
Barrett expecting ‘challenge’ from Glasgow
Leinster’s Jordie Barrett told RTE thsi week: “If we don’t get our jobs right this weekend, well, then there’s no more European rugby for us, it’s as simple as that.
“Glasgow are a good side. They play a lot of rugby, a very attacking side. They’re tough as well, as they showed in the weekend against Leicester.
“So it’s going to be a challenge. They’re a very strong one-to-eight and they play with a lot of ball and kick the least in the URC.
“They’re a confident side, they do back their ability. But, look, we’re right up for the challenge.
“We respect them as an outfit. But we feel like we’re heading in the right direction here too.”
07:46 PM BST
Leinster ‘all world-class players’, says Matthews
Speaking this week about the last 16 win over Leicester and looking ahead to tonight’s game, Glasgow hooker Johnny Matthews told BBC: “It’s always good when you can put that amount of points on a team that’s going very well on the Premiership and still be disappointed with some areas of the game.
“One of Franco’s main things is we don’t have to lose to learn. We’re still always trying to improve and still always trying to get better.
“You look at Leinster in the URC this season. They’ve set the standard and, historically, they might not have won the Champions Cup in the past few years, but they’re always there or thereabouts and they’re always one of the names in the mix.
“They have probably one of the most stacked teams in the world, certainly in the URC and in Europe. They’re all world-class players.
“But we feel we’ve got the right tools to take them down. It’s going to be a really good challenge for us, but we want to relish it and we can’t wait to get stuck into them on Friday.”
07:43 PM BST
Leinster’s ruthless form this season
Leinster are in imperious form having won 18 of their 19 matches in all competitions this season.
The solitary defeat did come just three weeks ago away at Bulls but it was by a single point and they were without several key figures following the Six Nations.
Despite the defeat, the Irish side remain eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship.
07:40 PM BST
When the sides last met
Glasgow triumphed when these sides last met in the URC, winning 43-25 on the opening day of last season. Leinster were without their Irish international contingent on the day, though.
The URC champions will be back at the Aviva again in May in the final round of the regular season.
07:37 PM BST
Warm-ups underway
07:34 PM BST
Glasgow’s last 16 milestone
Glasgow’s Champions Cup campaign started with a 38-19 win at home over Sale Sharks before they were beaten by just one point away at Toulon a week later.
They got back to winning ways with a 29-19 victory over Racing 92 and despite a 24-7 loss away at Harlequins to conclude the pool stage, they progressed through in second.
This earned Franco Smith’s side their first-ever home tie in the knockout stages and they capitalised on the home support, thumping Leicester Tigers 43-19 in the last 16.
07:30 PM BST
Leinster’s route to the last eight
Leinster have enjoyed a flawless Champions Cup so far, winning all four of their pool stage games before thumping Harlequins in the last 16.
Victory away at Bristol kicked off their tournament before a low-scoring triumph at home against Clermont a week later.
A narrow victory away at La Rochelle made it three from three before top spot in the pool was wrapped up with a comfortable victory at home against Bath.
Leo Cullen’s men then made light work of Harlequins, beating the Premiership side 62-0 at Croke Park to reach the quarter-finals.
07:25 PM BST
Cullen on six changes to Harlequins win
On the reasoning behind his changes, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “That’s some of the selections, making sure we’ve guys who are fresh mentally coming into it.
“They know there’s other guys who are beating the door down to get the opportunity.
“There’s genuine excitement to get out playing again.
“It’s a genuine excitement to play again, we’re at the Aviva and the atmosphere has worked really well there. It’s a great ground, nice time of year and an enjoyable time to play. It’s an incredible privilege and lads just need to savour the moment.”
07:20 PM BST
Leinster ‘definitely the favourites’, says Smith
Franco Smith has said his Glasgow Warriors side must have the absolute belief they can pull off a huge upset this evening.
“Leinster are top of the log in the URC, they’ve got a squad with huge depth,” Smith told BBC Scotland.
“They are probably the most talked about team in world rugby at the moment, so it will be probably the toughest task we’ve had in a very long time.
“Of course you must go there with a mindset that you can achieve on the day. Looking forward to a big challenge, but they are definitely the favourites.”
07:15 PM BST
Leinster looking to go one further this season
Leinster will be desperate for their first Champions Cup title since 2018 having been beaten in the last three finals.
The Irish side lost out against La Rochelle on two occasions before Toulouse claimed the title last year.
07:10 PM BST
At stake this evening
The winner of tonight’s tie will set up a semi-final clash against either Northampton Saints or Castres, who meet tomorrow evening.
07:06 PM BST
Full Champions Cup quarter-final fixture list
Friday, 11 April
- Leinster v Glasgow Warriors (20:00)
Saturday, 12 April
- Bordeaux Begles v Munster (15:00)
- Northampton Saints v Castres (17:30)
Sunday, 13 April
- Toulon v Toulouse (15:00)
07:01 PM BST
Those teams in full
Leinster: Keenan; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Barrett, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Healy, Kelleher, Furlong; McCarthy, RG Snyman; Deegan, Van der Flier, Conan (capt).
Replacements: Sheehan, Porter, Slimani, Mangan, Doris, McGrath, R Byrne, Henshaw.
Glasgow Warriors: Rowe, Dobie, McDowall, Jordan, Steyn, Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Matthews, Talakai, Brown, Samuel, M Fagerson, Darge, Vailanu.
Replacements: Stewart, Bhatti, Schickerling, Du Preez, Williamson, Ferrie, Afshar, Cancelliere.
06:56 PM BST
Three changes for Glasgow as Fagerson ruled out
Glasgow make three changes from the win over Leicester with Scotland prop Zander Fagerson among those to miss out, through concussion.
Quarter Final Ready 💪
Your Glasgow Warriors team to face Leinster tomorrow at the Aviva in the @ChampionsCup 🔥
📰 https://t.co/HnuDKpVPtM#WhateverItTakes | @MackenzieConstrpic.twitter.com/RCQyImztpd
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) April 10, 2025
06:51 PM BST
Six changes for Leinster as Barrett comes in
There are six changes to the Leinster side which started in the win over Harlequins last weekend with Jordie Barrett and Tadhg Furlong among those to come into this side while Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter and Caelan Doris all start from the bench.
𝙒𝙚 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 👊
🔥 Here is your Leinster Rugby team to face @GlasgowWarriors at Aviva Stadium in the quarter-finals of the @ChampionsCup tomorrow night.
Get your tickets here 👉 https://t.co/5gMZYkwv1D#LEIvGLA#NeverLessThanEverythingpic.twitter.com/FeVyS9UkDW
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 10, 2025
06:45 PM BST
Preview: Glasgow targetting first-ever semi-final as top two of URC meet in Dublin
Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals as Leinster host Glasgow Warriors at the Aviva Stadium. Tonight’s game sees the top two of the United Rugby Championship face off but it is the home side who are the favourites to progress to the last four.
Four-time champions Leinster hammered Harlequins 62-0 in the last 16 following a perfect pool stage in which they triumphed in all four of their games and they have lost just once in their 19 matches in all competitions this season.
Leinster’s solitary defeat came just three weeks ago as they were beaten by Bulls but they were without several key figures following Ireland’s Six Nations campaign and a host of these international stars returned in emphatic fashion against Harlequins last weekend.
Their ruthless form this season has them currently eight points clear at the top of the United Rugby Championship ahead of last season’s champions Glasgow in second. The Scottish side, who earned their first-ever home knockout tie in the Champions Cup for the last 16, are hoping for another historic milestone this evening as they look to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Franco Smith’s side will have gained confidence from their 43-19 thumping of Leicester Tigers in the previous round at Scotstoun Stadium but have been dealt a huge blow for this evening’s tie with Scotland prop Zander Fagerson missing out as he goes through return-to-play protocols after a concussion.
They also face a Leinster side who will be desperate for European success having been beaten in three consecutive finals. The winner of tonight’s tie will set up a semi-final clash against either Northampton Saints or Castres, who meet tomorrow evening.
