Leinster’s focus turns to the URC after Champions Cup heartbreak

Despite being significantly higher in the attack statistics, Leinster once again came out on the wrong side of the Champions Cup Final.

It was a game in which many believed Leo Cullen’s men would finally banish their European hoodoo, which has seen Leinster either lose in the semi-final or the final itself for the last eight years.

They are a team with consistency more often than not in the domestic league and always end up competing in the knockout stages of the European tournament, but fail to get over the line. 

Under the ferocious sun in Bilbao, Leinster’s attack statistics almost doubled Bordeaux in key areas.

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Leinster’s statistical advantage counts for little against ruthless Bordeaux

Leinster passed 246 times to Bordeaux’s 128, carried 160 times, made 412 meters and seven line breaks, but these well-drilled set pieces were not enough to get over the line.

It seemed for every error Leinster conceded, Bordeaux scored.

Bordeaux earned the right to become two-time Champions of Europe for taking their chances expertly, choosing their moments and knowing when to strike. 

Two impressive intercepts all but buried the game before the half-time whistle blew.

In my opinion, if Leinster had played at the top of their game, it may still not have been enough to topple the French giants.

Leinster showed signs of dominance with fast set pieces and a scrum that held up to the task, but when you’re up against world-class wingers like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who scores tries for fun and did twice, you need to be at the peak of your powers to overcome the French giants.

What’s next for Leinster?

Defending the URC title is now not only a priority for Leinster, but also an opportunity to reset, refocus and acknowledge the mental hurdle that continues to affect them in Europe. 

The competition is not going away and, for the sake of their pedigree and history, Leinster cannot afford to keep falling short. 

Whilst impressive overseas signings definitely help over the course of a season, it has become clear over the last two years that bringing in stars like Jordie Barrett or Rieko Ioane is not the answer to securing a fifth star. 

The rush defence has certainly been a boost to Leinster and a credit to Jaques Nienaber; however, it wasn’t enough to repel the Bordeaux onslaught.

Whatever the solution may be, Leinster need to be back all guns blazing by Saturday as they take on the Lions in the quarter-final of the URC. 

With only a few games remaining in the season and every side hungry for silverware, this coming week cannot be one in which Leinster allow themselves to take a step backwards despite the disappointment of the European final. 

For myself, I watched the game surrounded by Leinster fans and one exceedingly happy Frenchman who was gracious in victory and a reminder of what it means to be a rugby fan. 

For me, that softened the blow of the result!

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