Wallabies' flanker Rocky Elsom won praise as his Leinster side defeated Irish rival and defending champion Munster in front of a world record club rugby crowd to reach the European Cup final.

Elsom showed why the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is so keen to get him back with a powerhouse performance as Leinster outmuscled the vaunted Munster pack to win their semi-final 25-6.

A crowd of 82,208 spectators filled Dublin's Croke Park to see them book their place in the May 23 decider in Edinburgh against the winner between Welsh club Cardiff and England's Leicester.

Leinster have often been seen as a team of talented backs, including Ireland captain - who scored a 70m intercept try with 20 minutes remaining - but not so strong in the forwards.

The BBC Sport website rated Elsom's effort as "outstanding" and said he led Leinster's charge and the Planet Rugby website said he was "to the fore".

The 26-year-old veteran of 40 Tests is still in talks with the ARU about a likely return to Australian in June in time for the Wallabies' 2009 Test schedule.

Elsom has made a huge impression on the Leinster supporters and is a runaway leader in their online poll for the club's player of the year, with 60 per cent of the vote, 45 per cent more than the next contender.

He has scored six tries in 20 appearances for Leinster, who boast another Australian in former Waratahs' and Wallabies' halfback Chris Whitaker.

The Australian presence at Leinster also includes their coach Michael Cheika.

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