Concerns grow for life without Brian

NOT for the first time in recent seasons, Leinster had to drill into their deep reservoir of character to get a return from a game getting away from them in France on Saturday.

Early indications are life without Brian O’Driscoll and Nathan Hines will not be straight-forward and their defensive structure looked vulnerable without their organiser in chief at the helm.

O’Driscoll is so good in defence and at reading the movement of opposition backlines that it is the equivalent of having an additional coach on the field. Montpellier had the ability to open up Leinster at will on occasions, especially in the first half and had their finishing been sharper the holders would have been in even bigger trouble at the break.