Imported star power to guide Leinster in the short and long-terms

“I would call it short-term thinking in terms of [criticising] why they’re here instead of an Irish-qualified player, but we’ve seen the benefit that the youngsters get from being alongside them," said assistant coach Robin McBryde.

STAR POWER: Leinster assistant coach Robin McBryde during a training session. Pic: ©INPHO/Andrew Conan.

This is it. Four weeks, barring defeat to Northampton this Saturday, that will define Leinster’s season and, let’s face it, the dice seems to be rolling in their favour ahead of the Champions Cup semi-finals.

The Saints are not the team that gave them so much discomfort in Croke Park at this same stage last year. Antoine Dupont is sidelined for Toulouse while Bordeaux, though impressive and exciting, are unproven at the business end of the year.