Matt O’Connor hoping 2014 heartache can inspire Leinster revenge

With last weekend’s disappointing Pro12 defeat to Newport Gwent Dragons now firmly placed at the back of their minds, Leinster will aim to upset the odds against the richly-assembled Toulon in Marseille on Sunday afternoon.

This Champions Cup semi-final not only presents the Blues with an opportunity to return to a top-tier European decider for the first time since 2012, it also offers a shot at redemption following their defeat to the same opposition in last season’s Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Reflecting on that encounter at the province’s UCD base yesterday, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor felt it was mistakes, rather than any inhibition, that cost them on the day.