Saracens suffered their first defeat at Wembley Stadium against a strong Leinster side; Johnny Sexton contributed all of the visitor’s points in a 23-25 win, in front of 45,892 spectators.

Sexton opened his account after a long range penalty bounced favourably off the cross bar to give Leinster an early lead. Both teams traded goal attempts off the up rights before an Alex Goode try gave the home side their first points of the day, a fluent move through the backs allowed the Sarries full back to finish well.

Neither side were able to amass a consistent period of pressure and with both teams continually conceding penalties opposing fly half’s Sexton and Hougaard kept the scoreboard ticking from the tee.

Leinster started the second period strongly, quick hands through the backs allowed Isa Nacewa to find space on the outside stretching the Saracens defence. Good link-up play allowed Sexton to finish in the corner for well worked Leinster try. The young Irishman showed excellent composure converting from an acute angle to open up an eleven point lead to the delight of a noisy away support.

With Hougaard replaced through injury Goode assumed the kicking responsibilities as Saracens were allowed back into the game through two quick penalties. Man of the Match Sexton maintained his 100 per cent success rate to increase the gap before Saracens added a further two from the boot of Goode to set up a nail biting finish.

Saracens controlled the ball in the closing stages but were unable to unpick the Leinster defence who held on for an important Heineken Cup win.