Gerry Thornley

They started much more effectively last Saturday, and they would generally do that at their record in semi-finals, particularly at home.

It's been excellent in latter years.

So I do think that...

The trauma that Shane speaks about is partly self-induced and it's a fascinating insight into the whole mentality of the Leinster organisation, that magnificent obsession for a fifth star and how much in actual fact it's...

almost hindering them at times in matches since.

And it was very interesting to hear Leo again say afterwards, he admitted, they're not playing with freedom.

There's a lack, they're not as free as they could be.

He was, I don't know whether it's attention or what is it, but they're just not as free.

And that was a very interesting revelation I thought from.

Yeah, I thought even he, when he came in afterwards, he looked a little bit stunned, reflecting that an English referee had just penalised an English tight end

against him on three occasions.

That's certainly a first.

I doubt Wayne Barnes would have come to the same conclusions about five scrum penalties.

Thomas Clarkson as well.

I don't think Clarkson's getting anything like the credit he deserves for his form lately.

He's been sensational.

He's become a more potent scrimmager this season.

I don't know whether it was the Lions tour or whatever, but his form has just come on another level in the second half of this season.

But yeah, Porter is a fresh player now.

Hugo Keenan has been very fresh since he came back.