Madigan hails Saints’ defence but bemoans Leinster breakdown physicality

Close to an hour had passed by the time Ian Madigan was delivered into the media’s maw with the unenviable job of translating the mental anguish and bitter disappointment of the Leinster squad into words.

The beads of sweat that glistened on the out-half’s forehead were testament to the energy expended at this level and yet there was recognition that Leinster didn’t do quite enough.

They may have enjoyed 57% territory and possession but it was Northampton who set the agenda with their cleverly structured game plan and a ruggedness at the breakdown that the home team could never quite match.