James Ryan: Connacht defeat 'a reminder to us that we can't get complacent'

'There's a bit of an edge to our preparation this week so far and I think there's probably that little bit of fear factor as well'

The Leinster team leave the field dejected after losing to Connacht in the PRO14. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

James Ryan admits a little bit of a “fear factor” has creeped into the Leinster squad this week as the province look to get their PRO14 title defence back on track against Ulster at the RDS tomorrow.

Last Saturday’s surprise defeat to Connacht has quickly changed the mood at Leinster HQ, that one result skewing the picture more than it usually would given the exceptional circumstances presented in this condensed season. That sole ‘L’ beside Leinster’s name in their Pro14 table leaves them trailing Conference A leaders Ulster by 10 points, with only one team qualifying for this season’s final.