Learning curve to get steeper for Leinster’s youth

LEINSTER’S conveyor belt of talent has earned lavish praise in recent years but the latest up-and-comers will continue up what has been a steep recent learning curve tonight when they take on Benetton Treviso at the RDS.

A straightforward win on paper, one would think, but only two weeks have passed since the Irish province squeezed past a somewhat unlucky Aironi at the same venue with five points to spare.

A more obvious warning flag is the first ever meeting between these two clubs, a game played five months ago at the Stadio di Monigo when the home side inflicted a shock 29-13 defeat on their illustrious visitors.