22 May 2011

Comeback kings Leinster beat Northampton to Heineken glory

7:10 am on 22 May 2011

A rousing second-half fightback helped the Irish rugby club Leinster lift the Heineken Cup for a second time, defeating Northampton 33-22 at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium.

Trailing by 16 points at half-time, first five Jonathan Sexton led the second-half onslaught as the 2009 champions piled on 27 points in 25 minutes to take a 33-22 lead after a torrid first 40 minutes.

Sexton scored two tries on his way to 28 points, while forward Nathan Hines powered over for the third to put Leinster clear.

Leinster's success made it four wins for Ireland in the last six finals following their victory in 2009 and Munster's success in 2006 and 2008, while 2000 champions Northampton were seeking to become the first team to win every game of their campaign.