Collectively Leinster are a better team than Racing 92, but the French side's individual talent could be enough to win the Champions Cup, according to RTÉ rugby analyst Bernard Jackman.
The Top 14 side stand in the way of the Irish province lifting the European Cup for the fourth time in Bilbao tomorrow, and former player Jackman is tipping his old team to ultimately emerge victorious against a team already shorn of French internationals Maxime Machenaud and Dimitri Swarzeski.
However, the former Grenoble head coach believes that Racing are capable of lowering Leinster colours, such is the talent within their playing roster.
"The biggest threat is the individuals," he told RTÉ Sport.
"If you look back at the Munster game, it wasn’t really that the Munster defensive system was that poor, it was the individual brilliance of Teddy Thomas on the wing, who has come back from his suspension with France to show the same type of form he showed at the start of the Six Nations.
"Leinster, in terms of their structure, are better organised than Racing, but the fear is that Racing have so many individuals with world-class ability, that one of them has a big day and Leinster go behind."
"If Leinster can start well, I think they are a fitter team, and in the last 20 minutes, that will pay"
After watching Munster trail their semi-final 21-3 before mounting a spirited second-half comeback, the Dragons head coach says a good start is crucial for Leo Cullen’s side.
"Traditionally in the Top14 this year, once Racing go in front, they rarely give up a lead," he says.
"If Leinster can start well, I think they are a fitter team, and in the last 20 minutes, that will pay."
Follow Leinster versus Racing 92 in the Champions Cup final via our live blog on RTÉ.ie and the News Now App from 4pm, or listen to live coverage on RTÉ Radio 1 as Saturday Sport comes from Bilbao.
