Leinster and Clermont lived up to the hype as the two heavyweights of European rugby produced an enthralling display in their Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday.
The French side eventually ran out 27-22 winners. We rate Leo Cullen's men after defeat in France:
Joey Carbery - 7
Solid in defence and jinked his way through a multitude of tackles throughout the evening. Tried to be the spark for his side's revival.
Fergus McFadden - 5
Very quiet game summed up by a slice into touch when under no pressure in the first half.
Garry Ringrose - 7
Endured a ropey opening 15 minutes but grew into the game. His partnership with Henshaw came to the fore in the second half as Leinster chased the game. Brilliant solo try when he cut through the Clermont defence to show his class.
Leinster's Garry Ringrose scores his sides first try. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Robbie Henshaw - 8
The man has a limitless engine and plays at a high octane tempo throughout. Put himself about in defence and made the hard yards in attack.
Isa Nacewa - 5
Sloppy early tackle allowed Clermont to clear their lines. Was then Yellow carded for cynical play and really put his team under the pump. Lucky not to receive a second yellow later on.
Johnny Sexton - 7
Remained composed throughout even when playing off the back foot. Kicked superbly and ran his backline effectively.
Leinster's Johnny Sexton kicks a penalty. Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Luke McGrath - 7
Gritty display from the off and put his body about. Made a crucial try-saving tackle in the second half out wide.
Jack McGrath - 7
Under pressure in the scrum but put himself about the field. Won a big turnover to relieve pressure at the start of the match.
Richardt Strauss - 4
Poor display and contributed to a malfunctioning line-out. Taken off after 50 minutes.
Tadgh Furlong - 7
Another solid display from Europe's best tighthead. Hunted down the opposition to tackle throughout.
Clermont's Scott Spedding tackled by Tadhg Furlong of Leinster. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Devin Toner - 5
Part of a malfunctioning line-out. Should have taken more responsibility and called to the front early on when the game was getting away from Leinster.
Hayden Triggs - 5
Fairly anonymous display and struggled in the line-out.
Rhys Ruddock - 7
Embraced the physical nature of the game even in the face of relentless Clermont pressure.
Dan Leavy - 6
Got stuck in but outclassed by a superior French unit. Cost himself a try after being caught by the TMO for holding onto Rougerie at a ruck.
Jack Conan - 7
A few barnstorming runs throughout but was up against it from the off.
Bench - 7
Leo Cullen's replacements provided a shot in the arm to get his side back into the match - Sean Cronin in particular.
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