Leinster v Northampton Saints player ratings from European Champions Cup semi-final at Croke Park

Ciaran Frawley - Very little to do in first-half as Leinster surged forward in waves but confident when needed. Alert, racing around to take the ball from Sheehan ahead of third try. 7

Jordan Larmour - May have taken a hefty knock in the opening stages but it was determined pressure to get across to Hendy that was part responsible for preventing a try just before half-time. 7

Robbie Henshaw - Power at second-centre, his they-shall-not-pass determination shut down Northampton's preferred attacking route time after time. 8

Jamie Osborne - Slowish first quarter before a powerful burst down the middle announced his presence. Partnership with Henshaw growing game by game. 7

James Lowe - Brilliant kick down the line, ran hard and fast at defenders every time, great work for opening try, 'flukey' second try, and on hand to make it hat-trick - some evening out! 9

Leinster’s James Lowe celebrates after winning
(Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie)

Ross Byrne - Made doubly sure his first kick went well and it settled him in. Just didn't have the pace to set off following intercept that could have set him clear. 7

Jamison Gibson-Park - Was their two JGP's on the pitch, he was everywhere! Wonderful on the spot invention, superb pass, from quick tap penalty for Lowe's opening try. TV Man of the Match. 9

Andrew Porter - There are few loose-heads in the world with Porter's energy and it shows in that Leo Cullen leaves him on for almost entire games. Seven carries, four tackles. 8

Dan Sheehan - Pin-point throw for Baird was the catalyst for second try, timing of the pass in the tackle to Frawley was one of the keys for Lowe's third. Good darts too, six throws, six wins. 8

Tadhg Furlong - Leinster's scrum dominated, primary job accomplished. Big pitch, lots of running hardly ideal for tight-heads but chipped in with seven carries and three tackles.8

Ross Molony - The man in charge of the line-outs called them on the money, Leinster didn't lose any of their own throws in the first-half. 7

Joe McCarthy - Constantly looking for ball, often taken at speed and crash into an over defenders. Another great display for one of the coming stars of Irish rugby. 9

Ryan Baird - Superb line-out take ahead of second try but the burst of power, pace and carry deep into Saints territory just after the break was one of the day's great memories.9

Josh van der Flier - Determined outing, constantly looking for ball in attacking and not afraid to take into traffic. Wholehearted effort in defence too. 8

Caelan Doris - Easily Leinster's most proficient defender through the first hour part of a remarkable performance on both side of the ball. 8

Subs; Ronan Kelleher 7, Cian Healy n/a, Michael Ala'alatoa 6, Jason Jenkins 6, Jack Conan 6, Luke McGrath n/a, Harry Byrne n/a, Jimmy O'Brien n/a

Get the latest rugby headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free alerts.