Fergus McFadden: Winning start to Champions Cup crucial

Leinster’s may be an unenviable Champions Cup pool, but Leo Cullen’s side can at least draw some comfort from the fact that they are familiar with the substantial threats that face them in the weeks to come from Wasps, Bath and Toulon.

All three sides have crossed their path in the last two seasons, and Sunday’s Pool 5 opener against Wasps is actually a repeat of the province’s first action this time 12 months ago at the RDS, when they just about saw off a Premiership side on the brink of their move to Coventry.

It was a familiar feeling for Leinster and their supporters, who have welcomed English opposition to Ballsbridge for round one ties for six of the last 11 campaigns, though the hosts are in a much better place right now for a number of reasons.