Investec Champions Cup: Leicester 10-27 Leinster - Tigers made to wait for knockout spot

Dan Sheehan has now scored five tries for Leinster this season

Leicester Tigers must wait to find out if they have qualified for the Investec Champions Cup last 16 after defeat by pool-toppers Leinster.

Leicester started fast, scoring the opening try through Hanro Liebenberg before Handre Pollard's penalty extended the lead to 10 points.

Leinster responded with tries from Joe McCarthy, Jordan Larmour and hooker Dan Sheehan.

Caelan Doris scored the bonus-point try as Leinster sealed a home tie.

The Tigers only needed a point to qualify for the knockout stages but must now wait on the outcome of Sunday's match between La Rochelle and Sale Sharks in Manchester.

Leicester sit third in Pool 4 in a strong position, two points above La Rochelle and four above the Sharks. Only a win for Sale and two points for La Rochelle would knock Leicester out, assuming Stormers avoid a heavy defeat at Stade Francais.

• Champions Cup pool standings

Tigers fall away after fast start

Leinster came into the game as the only side safely through to the last 16 from Pool 4.

Since the arrival of South Africa's double World Cup-winning coach Jacques Nienaber the Irish province have been adjusting to his new defensive system, used by the Springboks so effectively in recent years.

The Tigers were able to take advantage of holes in Leinster's defence when Dan Kelly sprinted through before sending Liebenberg over for the opening try.

Leicester, thrashed last weekend at La Rochelle, rested some key personnel for the trip to the defending champions, possibly with an eye on securing qualification at home against the Irish province.

But after Pollard extended the lead the four-time winners soon clicked into gear when lock McCarthy, who has been included in Ireland's Six Nations squad, powered his way to the line.

Sharp hands sent Larmour over in the corner for his third try in two games, a reminder to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell of his ability, with the right wing spot up for grabs in the Six Nations following Mack Hansen's injury.

Sheehan then scored off the back of a maul before Doris grabbed the fourth try in the 85th minute, with both sides going all out for a vital last score.

'When we get things right we can compete with the best'

Leicester Tigers head coach Dan McKellar, speaking on qualification hopes: "We always knew it [the pool] was going to be tough as soon as it was announced. You get excited about that challenge and we have seen in the last two weeks that when we get things right we can compete with the best."

On Sale against La Rochelle: "I will keep an eye on the score no doubt. You have to control the controllables. It will be a tough contest up there and what will be will be."

Leinster director of rugby Leo Cullen on securing a late bonus point: "It adds a gloss to the win, it was great to score four tries. It was a good pool stage for us to get 19 points out of a possible 20 and a home last 16 but from previous experience we know that is not the be all and end all."

On chances of winning the competition: "The group is hugely motivated with what happened last season. But that is in the past. You can't change the past but the motivation is always there [to win the Champions Cup]."

Line-ups

Leicester: Steward; Simmons, Scott, Kelly, Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Whiteley; Cronin, Montoya, Heyes, Wells, Chessum, Liebenberg, Reffell, Wiese.

Replacements: Vanes, Van Wyk, Hurd, Carter, Hatherell, Youngs, Shillcock, Kata.

Leinster: Keenan; Larmour, Ringrose (co-capt), Henshaw, Lowe; H Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Ryan (co-capt); Baird, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Ala'alatoa, Molony, Conan, McGrath, Prendergast, O'Brien.

Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)

Sin-bin: Tom Whiteley (43), Jack Conan (66)

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