Rónan Kelleher confident ‘really tough’ Saints test will stand to Leinster when it comes to Champions Cup final

In the past, Leinster have been criticised for being too slow to use their bench. Nowadays, their substitutions appear pre-planned.

Perhaps that’s partly down to Jacques Nienaber’s influence, as South Africa tend to adopt a similar mindset, but Leo Cullen will be frustrated that his bench players were not able to build on Leinster’s commanding 20-3 lead.

Rather than finish over the top of Northampton, Jenkins had to come up with a couple of important lineout steals, while Conan combined with Caelan Doris to secure the match-winning turnover at the death.

“It was a really tough game,” Kelleher said. “They are a quality, quality side and they really showed it throughout the whole 80 minutes. It was very difficult to defend against them, particularly in that last 20 minutes, but I’m just happy we got over the line in the end.”

Jacques Nienaber speaking ahead of Leinster v Ospreys

As for what the coaches wanted from Kelleher and his fellow replacements, the hooker explained: “Kind of the same message as always, just trying to bring a bit of energy and enthusiasm to the lads, try and get those dead-stops.

“There were a couple of tactical messages that came on with us, which I actually thought we implemented quite well. But I think we just needed to get those dead-stops in defence. Try to buy a bit of time in the tackle and then hopefully get your defensive line set.

“But what they are really good at is shifting the point of contact, and keeping the ball alive with offloads or whatever. So, it was tough, but I think it just goes to show the quality of their attack.

“But it’s great for us now that happened. Loads of learnings are going to come from that game.

“We’ll look forward to getting back to work on Monday and trying to fix a lot of the wrongs.”

Poor discipline coupled with gifting possession back to a dangerous Saints side, who might have completed a remarkable comeback but for such a shaky start, ensured Leinster were made to sweat until the final whistle.

“Happy to get over the line, it was a nervy ending, but I suppose we kind of parked it and enjoyed the occasion because we hadn’t really been able to soak much of it in,” Kelleher continued.

“You’re playing at Croke Park, it’s obviously a massive occasion for so much of this group, who would have grown up playing Gaelic football. It was just incredible.”

As a West Brom supporter, thanks to his dad Tim, principal of St Michael’s College, Rónan has never been to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while he might get the chance next season if the Baggies win promotion, the 26-year-old is set to play in north London in the Champions Cup final on May 25.

With the hurt of the last two final defeats to La Rochelle still fresh in the memory, Leinster are determined to go one better this time.

“So much work has gone in all year, the last three years really,” Kelleher added.

“Those experiences have really stood to us. We learned a lot of lessons and you probably saw some of them in that La Rochelle game in the quarters and just for us as a group that experience has been really good.

"As tough as it was to go through, it has really stood to us now.”