We have only reached the halfway point of the pool stages in the Heineken Champions Cup, but Leinster have been the most impressive team to date, according to Bernard Jackman.
Leo Cullen's side crushed Northampton in their own backyard yesterday, outscoring their hosts seven tries to one in a 43-16 victory.
The reigning Pro 14 champions are three wins from three in Europe and pressed for his prediction on who will lift the trophy at the end of the season, former Leinster and Ireland hooker Jackman backed the men in blue to claim a second title in three years.
"Leinster have pedigree in the competition," he told RTÉ’s Sunday Sport. "Their performance against Northampton was the stand-out one so far. Given the fact that they generally get better as the season goes on, I think they are the one that have left the biggest impression to date.
"Toulouse haven’t hit their straps, but they have shown moments where you’d fancy them, while Clermont on their day can be phenomenal, it’s just the worry would be the type of performance they put in against Ulster which was very poor.
"You would wonder if they have the mental strength to get it done."
What especially caught the eye of Jackman was the performance of Jordan Larmour at full-back. The fleet-footed speed merchant was a menace throughout and could be ready to stamp his authority on the 15 jersey for province and country.
"Larmour was phenomenal in space. He looked back to the type of player he was two years ago. It’s great to see."
The former Dragons head coach however admits that while Larmour is the man in possession, he expects 33-year-old Rob Kearney, a second half replacement for Robbie Henshaw, to once again to rise to the challenge.
Rob Kearney has been doubted many times and he has always shown his worth
"Rob has been doubted many times and he has always managed to come back and stamp his authority on the game. It’s a challenge for him now, but his argument would be that he can do a great job at full-back and Larmour play elsewhere.
"It will be interesting to see how he responds. He has been doubted many times and he has always shown his worth."
