It's going to take more than a record URC win over Zebre to help Leinster forget about last weekend’s Champions Cup disaster but Jordie Barrett felt their victory was a step in the right direction.
Controversially left out of the starting line-up for the shock loss to Northampton Saints, Barrett put in a player of the match performance against the hapless Italians, scoring two of his side’s 12 tries, the 76-5 win securing a top seeding for the play-offs.
"As a group we didn’t get what we wanted last week," the New Zealander told RTÉ Sport.
"It was about owning it ourselves and putting on a performance that we can be proud of individually today.
"There’s plenty of effort against a dangerous Zebre side who we prepared well for.
"It was quick rugby in that first half. Zebre play such an entertaining brand of footie.
"We’re pleased with that, but we’ve got to get better again.
"We didn’t give up the chase, both sides of the ball, that was one thing that was questioned this week so look, it was a good performance and a step in the right direction.
"There’s so much for us to play for us for now."
Leinster run from deep at the start of the second half and Sam Prendergast finishes off the move following unselfish play by Jordie Barrett #RTERugby #LEIvZEB
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 10, 2025
Watch live https://t.co/wsbcdnxLgT#RTERugby pic.twitter.com/ZjsWgZ4y4g
Leinster host Glasgow, who lost 33-7 to Benetton, next weekend knowing they will remain in Dublin for as long as they stay in the competition.
Last winners in 2021, captain Jack Conan said Leinster will avoid talk of silverware.
"It’s been definitely a week of ups and downs, and a lot of distractions but the message all week was just we wanted the focus on us," said the Lions number 8.
"We weren’t good enough last week by any measure so we wanted to make sure we lived up to our own standards and all you can do is do that the next opportunity you get, and I felt like we did that in spades today.
"Yeah, disappointed with what happened last week but then it’s about tackling the moment in front of your face and I’m happy enough with the performance.
"We’re not going to focus on trophies; we’re just going to focus on the next moment."
