Leinster had to prioritise and sacrifice to battle on two fronts as Champions Cup semi looms

Jacques Nienaber already left South Africa four days earlier to handle the ‘first team’ and their quest for Champions Cup glory.

SPECIAL MOMENT: Gus McCarthy of Leinster is presented with his first Leinster cap by teammate Thomas Clarkson. Pic: Harry Murphy, Sportsfile

A few weeks ago the Bulls were under fire, particularly from the media in England for sending an understrength team to face the Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The Bulls duly lost heavily and had to take the stinging barbs along with the chastening loss. But their focus was the URC and success in that tournament.