Missed chances irk Schmidt

THE European champions can win these games the hard way too, you know.

Leinster were kept try-less at the Recreation Ground, the first time they have failed to touch down in a Heineken Cup match since the opening game of the 2009-10 campaign when they were beaten at home by London Irish.

That was under Michael Cheika’s watch and though his successor Joe Schmidt was left to ponder the tries that got away there will be much to cheer the New Zealander as he prepares his side for the return fixture in this Pool Three double-header at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.