It was yet another relatively straight forward Champions Cup win for Leinster against Ulster this evening, in a 30-15 affair in wet conditions at the Aviva Stadium.
The result means that Leinster will now welcome Leicester to the Aviva next Friday, after the English side defeated Edinburgh in a dour affair last night.
Naturally Leinster are the overwhelming favourites, and in the RTE studio after today's game, pundits Fiona Coghlan, Stephen Ferris, and Jamie Heaslip gave the visitors no chance of causing an upset.
Stephen Ferris: There's some quality operators there but they just don't have the pack like they used to. When you played against Leicester back in the day it was one of the hardest games especially up front. It was really really physical and difficult, and they've went away from that since Steve Borthwick has moved on.
I totally agree with Fiona, this Leicester side are not going to put up a big fight against Leinster next Friday.
Jamie Heaslip: Once they go into multi-faceted play, once there is high ball in play minutes, these big packs can't get around the field and just die off.
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"You almost feel like Ulster will be getting energy from that while Leinster will be scratching their heads potentially"
Jamie Heaslip assesses the #LEIvULS first half
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The winners of Leinster v Ulster will play Leicester in the Champions Cup quarter-final next weekend.
Leicester beat Edinburgh in a dire game played in poor conditions.
Don’t think Leicester will be causing anyone sleepless nights.— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) March 31, 2023
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Fiona Coghlan: "Look it was a pretty disappointing match last night, it was three nil at half-time.
"When you look at Leinster you just can't see how this Leicester team can dominate them in any way. They have some quality players, but just as a cohesive I don't think it's there. I think Leinster are going to be way stronger.
"I just don't see how Leicester can put up a fight with them to be honest with you."
It may come across as arrogant to some, but given the form of Leinster and Ireland, it is hard to see any teams other than Toulouse, Saracens, or La Rochelle troubling them.
The time for Friday's clash as yet to be confirmed.
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