Jordie Barrett paid tribute to opponents Connacht after Leinster's 20-12 BKT URC derby win at Aviva Stadium, and believes that Leo Cullen's decision to select five academy players as starters will bear fruit.
Leinster wins over Connacht are expected outcomes, with this an 11th consecutive victory for the dominant force in this interprovincial rivalry.
However, Leinster's 10th straight win of the season did come against a Connacht outfit at close to full strength, while the home side were shorn of 15 internationals either resting or recuperating from injuries.
Reflecting on his first taste of Irish interpro action, Barrett told RTÉ Sport: "I absolutely loved it. Connacht are a class team.
"We understood the assignment we had all week. They're a team that are tough and resilient and didn't go away and, as you could see, a couple of moments there, they could have easily taken that match."
The Kiwi felt conditions and lack of clinical finishing prevented Leinster from being further ahead than 14-0 at the interval.
"We left a few out there in the first half," he said.
"There was a bit of a wind, so there was a bit of help when they were kicking the ball long and if you get backed into a corner, it's pretty hard to get out.
"They understood what we did to them and they did the same thing. Unfortunately, our discipline didn't allow us entries into their half, but Connacht were outstanding tonight.
"I guess the pleasing thing for Leinster is that we blooded a lot of young boys with not much experience, and to come away with a win and some invaluable experience for those boys is very pleasing."
The Leinster lineout is facet of their play that RG Snyman and his team-mates will focus on in the weeks ahead. pic.twitter.com/mXl1M82iif
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 21, 2024
Team-mate RG Snyman echoed that sentiment, and said: "It's important for us to kind of share the knowledge we have around the building, because I think it's one of our strengths, and there aren't a lot of clubs that have that.
"So it's important for us to bring the younger guys up to speed a lot earlier, because further down the line it's going to count for us."
