The four heavyweight sides are set to play out two fascinating semi-finals in just under three weeks’ time, with Leinster hosting Toulouse on April 29 and Exeter heading to La Rochelle on April 30.

Last season’s beaten finalists Leinster continued their hunt for a fifth title in style as they crushed Leicester Tigers 55-24 in Dublin on Friday night, Garry Ringrose (2), Jamison Gibson-Park, Scott Penny, Jimmy O’Brien and John McKee all crossing in a classy performance.

Toulouse were equally impressive as they set up a re-run of last season’s semi-final by thrashing Cell C Sharks 54-20 at the Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday.

Thomas Ramos provided a mammoth 29 points, including two tries, while Juan Cruz Mallía (2), Peato Mauvaka, Arthur Retiere and Romain Ntamack also crossed for the TOP 14 giants.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Exeter were on song at Sandy Park as they ran in six tries to beat DHL Stormers 42-17, Tom Wyatt, Jack Nowell, Olly Woodburn, Sam Simmonds and Tom Cairns, with Joe Simmonds dotting down for the 2020 champions.

On Sunday, La Rochelle demonstrated why they are the reigning champions with a powerful 24-10 win over Saracens at the Stade Marcel Deflandre. Tawera Kerr Barlow went over for a try brace while Antoine Hastoy kicked 14 points for the hosts.

The Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals delivered some scintillating rugby as Leinster Rugby, Stade Toulousain, Exeter Chiefs and Stade Rochelais booked their places in the next round.