Healy: Knockout stage a whole new ball game

Cian Healy has warned that the momentum built up by Leinster’s unbeaten run through the Champions Cup stages will count for nothing when they embrace the challenge of reigning champions Saracens in Dublin this Sunday.

Leo Cullen’s side was exceptional in coming through Pool 3 with six wins from six games given they were bivouacked with English champions Exeter Chiefs, French giants Montpellier and a dangerous Glasgow Warriors.

But then 18 of the province’s players were diverted into the green of Ireland at one point or another during the Six Nations and the fact is that most of those will be donning the blue again for the first time in over two months this weekend.