With the match taking place in the Aviva Stadium the showdown was billed as a repeat of the Six Nations finale which saw Ireland end England’s Grand Slam hopes with a 24-8 win with Sexton in superb form.

And it was the Irish, and their No. 10 Sexton, that were smiling again on Saturday as Leinster – the 2009 champions – bagged a deserved win against the Aviva Premiership leaders.

Full-back Isa Nacewa crossed for Leinster’s only try of the game while a late try for replacement hooker Rob Hawkins – adding to five points from England fly-half Toby Flood – was too little too late for the Tigers.

And a delighted Leinster hooker Richardt Strauss said: "We knew they were going to try and bully us and the boys dealt with that very well.

"They are a side that is going to fight to the end and they put us under some pressure."