Byrne replaced Leinster and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton, who kicked an early conversion but went off in the 28th-minute before failing a head injury assessment.
Exeter led by 14 points inside the first 10 minutes following two tries by wing Tom O’Flaherty, both converted by Joe Simmonds, but their only further scores were a Dave Ewers try and Simmonds penalty as Leinster’s imperious European pedigree was once again shown off to maximum effect.
Exeter showed two switches from the side that beat round of 16 opponents Lyon last weekend, with props Ben Moon and Tomas Francis both handed starts, while full-back Stuart Hogg made his 50th European Cup appearance.
Leinster storm into European semi-final after overcoming 14-point deficit in Exeter the42.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the42.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
D-Day for Leinster as they prepare for trench warfare with Exeter
The 2018 European champions meet last year’s Champions Cup winners in the European quarter-finals tonight. Garry Doyle By Garry Doyle Friday 9 Apr 2021, 7:00 AM 18 hours ago 415 Views 0 Comments
Lowe and Henshaw are key players tonight
Image: Billy Stickland/INPHO
Image: Billy Stickland/INPHO
IT IS ALWAYS a grind in Exeter, trench warfare transferred from the Somme to Sandy Park. Every inch of territory is streaked with sweat, every point gained the equivalent of a dozen collected from a Friday night bashing over a Dragons or a Zebre.
Leo Cullen could do with a win there. He wouldn’t mind a few tries, wouldn’t say no to a dazzling display of back play, either. But you get the sense he won’t be greedy, jokily referring to ‘the 9-6 clas
Maro Itoje of England looks on during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between Italy and England at Olimpico Stadium on October 31, 2020 in Rome, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
England star Maro Itoje has joined a band of players, coaches and observers who have supported the decision to keep the British & Irish Lions tour in South Africa.
Yet even if that symbolism is a morale boost for all involved, the 26-year-old lock has cautioned that the series will still require much sacrifice from all involved.