Johnny Sexton's recent injury came as a blow to many a fan, and it will certainly have an impact on Leinster's season run-in.
How big this impact will be depends a lot on the performances of Ross Byrne. If he can continue his excellent run of form and guide Leinster to the Champions Cup, then the biggest blow from Sexton's injury will be the lack of a proper send off for one of the greats.
From an Ireland perspective, Sexton's injury has come at a good time. It will allow him a few months rest before the World Cup, while also giving Ross Byrne substantial knock-out game time.
Stephen Ferris - in one of our regular chats in association with Ladbrokes - echoed some of these views on Byrne, but was understandably hopeful that he won't be at his best against Ulster tomorrow.
So, yeah, Ross Byrne is gonna play a pivotal role in trying to get his team the victory at the weekend and it's not just this weekend, it's the next 6 to 8 weekends that there's going be a lot of knockout rugby.
I think we'll see what he's made of, but I think the last point on Ross, I think it's just brilliant for him leading towards the rugby World Cup, getting game time, getting the exposure, building on the confidence that he's already received over the last couple of months.
I really hope it goes well for him, he's got a good head on his shoulders. Some people might say he's too casual, but I, I kind of like that about him. He's a prolific goal kicker, you know, he's got one of the best percentages in world rugby.
He's a steady guy to have, calling the shots, so fair play to him and hopefully he doesn't play too well on Saturday.
Stephen Ferris On Ross Byrne
27 March 2023; Irish rugby : Ross Byrne during a Leinster Rugby squad training session at UCD in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
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"Yeah, I think Ross Byrne, his game has always been there, many people have questioned it," added Ferris.
"Maybe not myself but a lot of other pundits, analysts, people in the media have said that Ross Byrne isn't a big game player.
"And, you know, calling for Harry Byrne, he's the better brother and all this, who unfortunately hasn't had that much game time because of certain injuries, and now you have the under 20s star Prendergast coming through, and there's so much strength and depth.
"But one things for sure, Johnny Sexton is the best out side half in Leinster and in Ireland and he's not going to be playing."
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