Ulster stun Munster to book semi-final place against Scots

Munster were hit by a northern whirlwind in the opening 20 minutes at Thomond Park, with Ruan Pienaar booting a trio of long-range penalties and converting a stunning try from 21-year-old winger Craig Gilroy, who beat his man on the halfway line and evaded more tackles to cross the line in the 16th minute of the match. The Reds’ own whizz kid Simon Zebo grabbed a try back and the hosts cut the gap to 19-10 with a Ronan O’Gara penalty on the stroke of half-time.

In a gripping, defence-dominated second half, O’Gara kept Munster’s comeback bid on course but a fourth penalty from Pienaar sent the Ulstermen through to their first European semi-final since they won the tournament back in 1999.

Saracens were beaten by French champions Clermont Auvergne to end all English interest in European competition this season. Clermont fly-half Brock James scored 17 points after coming on as a third-minute replacement.

Wales full-back Lee Byrne scored the only try of the match after Nathan Hines and Aurelien Rougerie had combined to create the opening.

In the competition’s other quarter-final, Leinster extended their unbeaten Heineken Cup record to 13 games after brushing aside Cardiff Blues 34-3 in Dublin.

Full-back Rob Kearney scored two tries, while centre Brian O’Driscoll and wing Isa Nacewa also touched down, with fly-half Jonathan Sexton kicking 14 points to underpin a comprehensive success.

Leinster, though, only scored seven points in the second period, but they were never troubled by the Welsh club and will go on to face Clermont in the semi-final.