Leicester Tigers were aided by a first-half brace from Adam Radwan as they hung onto a 21-16 win against Salford Sharks in the second Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final.
Tigers came into the match spurred on by a home crowd of 26,000 and an unbeaten home play-off record to maintain.
Michael Cheika’s side dominated the early stages and were worthy of two Radwan tries. The first came thanks to a fine piece of footwork by the winger on 20 minutes.
Eight minutes later, Radwan made a spectacular catch from Handre Pollard’s cross-field kick to score his side’s second.
However, two missed conversions from Pollard kept Sale in the match.
Sale grew into the second half and when Robert du Preez pulled a try back, the subsequent George Ford conversion, followed by a penalty eight minutes later, pulled the visitors level on 65 minutes.
Leicester responded in style with replacement Izaia Perese breaking through the tiring Sale defence to score the winning try.
Tigers will be looking to win their 12th Gallagher Premiership crown at Allianz Stadium against Bath next weekend.
They will also be looking to give a fairytale farewell to head coach Cheika, skipper Julian Montoya and the retiring Dan Cole and Ben Youngs.
Image credit: Getty Images
17:42
Leicester Tigers
17:42
RADWAN SPEAKS ABOUT PERFORMANCE
Leicester Tigers brace hero Radwan reflects on his side’s semi-final win against Sale Sharks.
When questioned about his mid-season move from Newcastle to Leicester, he told TNT Sports: "It has gone really well. I made the move for games and days like this.
"We’ve got one more big one, the job is not done by any means. We’ll enjoy this and then rip into next weekend."
One scoring two tries, he added: "It was two nice tries early on. A lot of it was good work from lads inside and I’m just on the end of a lot of things."
Image credit: Getty Images
17:38
17:38
HOW TO WATCH PREMIERSHIP RUGBY
Leicester Tigers will play Bath in the Gallager Premiership final next weekend, which is being held at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, June 14. Kick-off at 3pm
Leicester captain Montoya was named man of the match after an imperious performance in his side’s win.
He said: "I love it, hear this noise (Welford Road crowd).
"Today was mental, I can be proud of every part of the team. We have one more week. I love it so much.
"My family told me last week that they wanted to watch the semi-final, I trusted our team, they arrived yesterday (from Argentina)."
The final: "Knowing I am going to leave this team that I love so much. We trust each other, we will work to get better. I’m going to enjoy 24 hours and then we go again."
LEICESTER DELIGHT HOME FANS
It was an epic semi-final tie but Leicester are the ones who prevail and make it into the final.
The Tigers were in control in the first half and led through a pair of brilliant Radwan tries. However, missed conversions and kicks from Pollard allowed Sale to remain in the game.
Du Preez pulled Sharks level and the momentum looked to have changed. However, replacement Perese was too quick for the tiring Sale and scored a decisive third try.
Tigers will face Bath in the final next Saturday.
Image credit: Getty Images
FT'
FT'
PEEP
The referee deems no foul play and with a knock-on the time is up. Leicester win and Welford Road is delirious.
80+3'
80+3'
TMO CHECKING TACKLE
Leicester looked to have survive a late onslaught and the fans celebrate. However, TMO are checking for a head tackle.
79'
Sale Sharks
79'
SALE KICK FOR 10-METRE LINE
The tension has risen further as an infringement allows Ford to kick to the 10-metre line with a minute left on the clock.
76'
Leicester Tigers
76'
POLLARD KICKS WIDE
The Leicester forwards pile on the pressure before pulling the ball back for Pollard. However, his drop-kick to take the game away from Salford is wide.
73'
Leicester Tigers
73'
POLLARD RETURNS
A big boost for Leicester as kicker Pollard returns following a HIA.
Rogerson has come on for Volavola for Tigers
73'
Leicester Tigers
73'
ILIONE EASES PRESSURE
Radwan concedes a foul after arriving at a challenge early, resulting in Ford kicking deep into touch.
Sale go through the phases from the line-out, but after eight phases replacement Ilione turns the ball over to end the pressure.
70'
Leicester Tigers
70'
MONTOYA MAKES WAY
The Leicester skipper who leaves in the summer has made way for Clare
68'
Sale Sharks
68'
BEN CURRY OFF
The Sale star seemed to have pulled his hamstring while chasing down Perese and is replaced by Bamber
67'
Leicester Tigers
67'
TRY! LEICESTER TIGERS (PERESE) 21 -16 SALE SHARKS
Perese has just come on as a Leicester replacement and scores his side’s third try. From the line-out the ball is played across the pitch to Perese who makes a clever run and races clear.
The conversion is missed.
‘Instant impact’ – Perese scorches through for Leicester’s winning try with first touch
Video credit: TNT Sports
65'
Sale Sharks
65'
PENALTY! LEICESTER TIGERS 16-16 SALE SHARKS (FORD)
The Sale kicker takes an opportunity from long-range to kick his side level in the tie.
63'
Leicester Tigers
63'
POLLARD TO TAKE HIA
The Leicester 10 is being forced to take a head injury assessment. It comes after a heavy hit by Ben Curry which TMO looked at but decided was fair.
Volavola comes on
62'
Leicester Tigers
62'
COLE MAKES FINAL APPEARANCE
The tighthead prop is retiring this season and comes on for his 10th play-off appearance. Heyes makes way for the experienced prop.
Ilione comes on for Reffell for Tigers.
Sale changes see Roebuck come off for O'Flaherty and McIntyre off for Rodd
61'
61'
WELFORD ROAD IS TENSE
Sale’s opening try has really boosted the visitors who now have momentum on their side. Welford Road is noticeably quieter than the first half.
Sale seem to have an extra spring in their step and are making less errors.
57'
Sale Sharks
57'
TRY! LEICESTER TIGERS 16-11 SALE SHARKS (R DU PREEZ)
A penalty infringement for holding on allows Ford to kick into touch and Sale into an excellent position.
Cowan-Dickie drives forward from the rolling maul. The ball is played out to Ford who fails to control the ball in the difficult conditions, but another penalty has been awarded.
This time the Curry brothers find Rob Du Preez in space underneath the posts to score as Pollard collides with the post. Ford converts and pulls their side back to three points.
Du Preez touches down under posts as Sale close within three of Leicester
Video credit: TNT Sports
53'
Sale Sharks
53'
SALE CHANGES
Quirke makes way at number nine for Warr. Moments later a second change sees Opoku-Fordjour taken off for John.
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