Leinster will be burdened by massive regrets this week as they somehow attempt to patch themselves up for an unforgiving five-day turnaround with the season-defining outing against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night.

With that tantalising World Cup clash between Ireland and France cemented in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but watch the respective performances of Clermont Auvergne and Leinster over the weekend in the context of that crucial Pool D encounter.

Saturday’s quarter-final was Leinster’s 19th knockout game over the last four seasons... the fact they won 15 of those shows their understanding of what’s required on these occasions, writes Donal Lenihan.

The three areas where Leinster will be challenged by their English visitors today:

On a week when Paul O’Connell worked wonders for the reputation of grizzled second-row forwards, another great presence in Munster rugby passed away peacefully after a long period of illness.

After last weekend, the World Cup just can’t come soon enough. 

THE Six Nations championship has never witnessed a day like it. 221 points scored, 27 tries, 12 in that breathtaking game in the tournament finale at Twickenham. It was riveting stuff, writes Donal Linehan.

To avoid the desperation of chasing a score, Ireland need to focus on three key goals at Murrayfield today, says Donal Lenihan.

If the adage that you learn more in defeat holds true on this occasion then this reversal could well serve Ireland’s World Cup cause better in the long run.