But Leinster’s victory was founded on a ferocious defensive performance to which Munster - the odds-on favourites, defending European champions and Magners League champions - had no answer.

Felipe Contepomi nudged Leinster ahead with an early drop goal, only for Ronan O’Gara to respond almost immediately with a penalty.

Contepomi was then withdrawn with an apparent knee injury and Johnny Sexton came on to slot over a penalty with his first touch and put Leinster back in front.

D’Arcy then rounded off a flowing move to make it 11-3, before another O’Gara penalty kept Munster in touch going into the break.

However, Fitzgerald put Leinster further ahead after the interval as he cut in from the left wing to score.

And although Munster piled on the pressure in the closing stages, their hopes were ended when O’Driscoll intercepted an O’Gara pass and raced clear to touch down under the posts.

Leinster, who had lost their last three Heineken Cup semi-finals, will now head to Murrayfield on May 23 to face either the Cardiff Blues or Leicester.