Leinster booked their place in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-final after a 23-14 win over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

First half tries from Josh Van Der Flier and Robbie Henshaw sealed a home tie against Toulouse in the next round.

Leinster showed their class from the off and dominated all around the pitch. Leicester struggled with their opponent's speed of ball and fast flowing rugby which led to the hosts conceding a number of penalties during the first period.

Johnny Sexton kicked the first penalty after just three minutes to give Leo Cullen’s side an early lead.

Just after the quarter of an hour mark, Josh Van der Flier peeled off the back of a Leinster maul on the hosts’ five-metre line before diving over the line to stretch his side’s lead.

Sexton converted to give the visitors a 10-point lead.

Jemison Gibson- Park and Hugo Keenan had plenty of ball carrying action throughout the half and carved the Leicester defence open on numerous occasions.

It took just four minutes after Leinster’s first try for them to find their second. Robbie Henshaw met Gibson Park’s pass just metres from the try line and his sheer power and determination resulted in the centre going over for Leinster’s second try of the game.

Sexton converted again, before adding another penalty just before the interval to give his side a 20-0 lead at the break.

Leicester started the second half in better form and showed why they are the Premiership leaders. It took just over five minutes of the second half for the Tigers to get their first score, courtesy of Chris Ashton.

George Ford followed up with the conversion, reducing the deficit to 13 points.

Nemani Nadolo looked to have scored another try just five minutes later but Josh Van der Flier and Jimmy O’Brien were able to just hold the ball up and deny Leicester their second try.

Leinster looked to have sealed the win after Josh van Der Flier charged down Harry Potter’s clearance, but Jack Conan couldn’t touch the ball down ahead of Jasper Wiese.

Leinster stepped up their game and Ross Byrne stretched their lead with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Steve Borthwick’s side did find a late consolation after a try from Nic Dolly off the back of a maul, but it was too little too late for Leicester.