The hosts scored three first half tries to none by the Toyota Cheetahs for a 22-0 lead, and they added two more in the second half, while limiting the visitors to two in a late surge.

This result saw Leinster extend their winning run in the competition to 11 matches – keeping them firmly at the top of Conference A table.

Leinster flanker Will Connors opened up the scoring in the 22nd minute from a pick-and-go after sustained pressure in the opening quarter, and they added a penalty goal minutes later by Ciarán Frawley (flyhalf) after the Toyota Cheetahs were reduced to 14 men as Charles Marais (prop) received a yellow card for not using his arms in a tackle.

The home side’s Michael Bent (prop) then added their second try from another pick-and-go and they continued to make their presence felt as the break approached, with Rónan Kelleher (hooker) forcing his way over the chalk from a strong rolling maul for an encouraging 22-0 halftime lead.

Leinster continued this impressive form four minutes into the second half with Rhys Ruddock (flanker) forcing his way over for their bonus point try thanks to strong support play close to the line, and Connors added his second try in the 51st minute after breaking away from an effective rolling maul. This pushed them 36-0 ahead.

Leinster were dealt a blow in the 60th minute as Seán Cronin (replacement hooker) received a yellow card for not using his arms in the tackle, and the Toyota Cheetahs capitalized on this minutes later with Luan de Bruin (replacement prop) forcing his way over the chalk from a strong pick-and-go.

The Free Staters took a knock with 10 minutes to play as Benhard Janse van Rensburg (centre) received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, but despite this they showed their fighting spirit to score their second try on the stroke of fulltime compliments of Aidon Davis (replacement lock), which saw them go down 36-12.

Scorers:

Leinster 36 (22) – Tries: Will Connors (2), Michael Bent, Rónan Kelleher, Rhys Ruddock. Conversions: Ciarán Frawley (4). Penalty goal: Frawley.

Toyota Cheetahs 12 (0) – Tries: Luan de Bruin, Aidon Davis. Conversion: Ruan Pienaar.