Leinster captain James Ryan has said the way his team cut down the attacking prowess of Toulouse will give them immense confidence heading into the Heineken Champions Cup final next month.
Leo Cullen's side produced some spells of brilliance - especially on the two occasions Toulouse were down to 14 players - to record a convincing 41-22 win at the Aviva Stadium with the visitors tagging on their third try with the last play and the game already settled.
The five-time champions did produce flashes of danger, usually when Antoine Dupont, playing in a roaming role, displayed his typically fast hands to release team-mates, but Leinster were able to shut them down them consistently.
"We’re happy enough, tough game. I’d say it was probably the toughest game we played all season, particularly that first 40 minutes," Ryan told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
"Toulouse are probably the best attacking side in Europe or up there as the best attacking side in Europe. Defensively it’s always such a tough game.
"One to 15, delighted to be able to test ourselves today and to be in the final."
Leinster captain James Ryan believes that his team have beaten the best attacking side in Europe. pic.twitter.com/uYvYfTqM6a
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) April 29, 2023
In the analysis of the game, it’s hard to escape just how clinical Leinster were when Toulouse were down to 14 players, the hosts racking up 28 points in the 20 minutes when Thomas Ramos and Rodrigue Neti had to watch on from the touchline.
That scoring streak, Ryan said, was crucial to the outcome.
"We had to because it was a close game, there was a window there were we had to make the most of it and we managed it pretty well. We’re happy with how we managed that.
"Look, it’s a special day. Champions Cup semi-finals in the Aviva, your knockout games at home are always special."
And when it comes to Sunday’s semi-final between holders La Rochelle, who defeated them in last season’s decider, and Exeter, Ryan said he didn’t really care who came out on top.
"Makes no difference. At least we can put the feet up tomorrow and watch the game and see how they get on."
Jamison Gibson-Park was named Star of the Match after a brilliant showing, with the scrum-half showing real energy from the start after Toulouse had dominated the opening minutes.
"Toulouse are a team we have a huge amount of respect for," Gibson-Park said afterwards. "They have five stars for a reason.
"You have to really prepare well to play them and I think for the most part we did. We're obviously chuffed to come away with the result."
The final on 20 May will be played back at the Aviva Stadium, something Gibson-Park believes gives them a real boost.
"There's nothing better than coming out and playing in front of our own fans and our friends and family.
"Obviously we have some URC games to take care of first so we’ll get stuck into those."
