All three RTÉ panellists at the Munster-Saracens game were eager to discuss the much-anticipated clash between Leinster and La Rochelle on Sunday in the Investec Champions Cup.
Fiona Coghlan was not alone in her excitement at Leinster's team announcement.
"The team that Leinster have named, and the bench they have named, and even if they have injuries who they can put in, and Jordie Barrett starts," the ex-Irish International said.
Coghlan thinks Leinster are fair favourites going into the hotly contested fixture, but feels they need to earn that status, despite putting a dent in La Rochelle's impressive home record with a 16-9 win.
"Last year, Leinster got over that hump of La Rochelle when they went down there and beat them, they are now deserved favourites, but they have to produce it."
Bernard Jackman thinks that the game will be a bigger challenge than the top province has faced so far this season.
"You only come up against teams like La Rochelle once or twice a year. They have a smarter game plan than Toulouse or Bordeaux, this is a big challenge for them," Jackman told RTÉ Sport's Jacqui Hurley.
Leinster have been dominating in this season of rugby so far, sitting top of the URC and unbeaten so far in Europe. Jackman believes the real challenge comes when facing an equally "big" team.
"They have been bullying teams in the URC, and they have been good in the first two rounds of Europe... but can they do it against a team that are as big as them, that's a challenge."
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Fiona, Jamie and Bernard look ahead to Leinster V La Rochelle tomorrow afternoon.
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Jamie Heaslip agrees that La Rochelle's physicality could be a challenge for Leinster.
"Coming up against a big side like La Rochelle, the physicality, and how they suffocate teams, how does that go against the big side of Leinster?" the ex-Leinster player asked.
Heaslip adds that the way Leinster have been winning this year is different, which could have an influence on the final scoreline in the Stade Marcel Deflandre.
"They have been winning games this year, but not scoring as many tries or as big points as we have seen, but they have been more astute with their wins and been a bit more tactical in the way they win."
Ronan O'Gara will be missing Will Skelton and two hookers, but Jackman thinks we shouldn't rule out the 2023 European Champions if they can mentally tune up, despite having a below-par season so far.
"He's (Ronan O'Gara) got injuries, (Will) Skelton is out and both first choice hookers are suspended.
"They have big game players who have won silverware and played a lot of international rugby and when they get right emotionally you will see a 25% increase in their performance levels, I wouldn't judge them too much on their form so far and judge them on what they do tomorrow."
Listen to live commentary of La Rochelle v Leinster on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport, and follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
