Franco Smith said he was proud of his players

Leinster proved too powerful for Glasgow Warriors, scoring six tries to three to oust the reigning champions and progress into their first United Rugby Championship final.

They will host the Bulls next Saturday at Croke Park, after Jake White's side were too strong for South African rivals, the Sharks.

Glasgow responded well to conceding a try to Dan Sheehan after only three minutes by scoring at the other end almost immediately through George Horne after nice work from Kyle Rowe.

But Leinster added three more of their own - through Jamie Osborne, Thomas Clarkson and Sheehan - by half-time

Second-half tries from Osborne and Ciaran Frawley snuffed out any hopes of an a Glasgow comeback before consolation scores from Jamie Dobie and Sione Tuipulotu.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith admitted Leinster brought "a huge performance" to end his side's title defence in the URC semi-finals.

"They are a quality outfit and, from the word go, I felt their urgency and they put pressure on us," he told BBC Scotland.

"On the day, we were not good enough, especially in the first half. We should have started better and then we wouldn't have had to chase the game and that led to more errors from our side."

Smith admits that Leinster's kicking game proved the difference.

"I don't think the strategy was wrong, they are good at the aerial battle," he added.

"But I am really proud. We had a lot of boys unavailable this week. I must look at the big picture. It was a tough task to come here and win."