Leinster have final date and Pro12 trophy in sight

Way back in December after Toulon had knocked Leinster out of Europe Leo Cullen was asked what would represent a successful campaign. He mentioned the only trophy left on offer.

They are going win this game by a heavy margin and finish second in the table, first if Connacht and Glasgow draw in Galway, so they will be hosting the weekend after next and should return to the Pro 12 final, in Edinburgh, after a season in hiatus.

That can be achieved without Seán O'Brien, Cian Healy, Luke Fitzgerald, Ian Madigan and Josh van der Flier. A reflection of how the new generation of players have evolved this season is best exemplified by the last name on that list being the most sorely missed.

A reaction to last week's collapse in Belfast is expected. If not, Johnny Sexton's post-match reaction will be similar to the climactic scene in The Exorcist. Sexton reached Roy Keane's heights in his criticism of everyone, from chief executive all the way down to Bobby Boucher, after Ulster's resounding 30-6 victory.

“Johnny is a very passionate guy and he is very passionate about Leinster rugby,” said Cullen. “Of course there is a change but that is just the nature of the game. The club went through a very successful period and some players have moved on.

“Isa (Nacewa) mentioned how some of the young guys are coming through now so it is for the next wave. We have used 10 academy players this season in the Pro 12. That is an incredibly high number but it is going to take time for those guys to put their stamp on it.

“That’s all part of the cyclical nature of it. When certain players move on it is important for the next group to step up.”

Step up and win a trophy. Because that’s the Leinster way.

LEINSTER: R Kearney; I Nacewa (capt), G Ringrose, B Te'o, D Kearney; J Sexton, E Reddan; J McGrath, R Strauss, M Ross; D Toner, M Kearney; R Ruddock, J Murphy, J Heaslip. Replacements: S Cronin, P Dooley, T Furlong, R Molony, D Ryan, L McGrath, C Marsh, N Reid.

TREVISO: J Hayward; L Nitoglia, T Iannone, A Sgarbi, A Esposito; L McLean, E Gori; M Zanusso, O Gega, S Ferraro; M Fuser, F Paulo; F Minto, A Zanni (capt), A Steyn. Replacements: L Big, M Muccignat, S Manu, M Lazzaroni, A de Marchi, A Lucchese, J Ambrosini, E Bacchin.

Referee: B Whitehouse (WRU).

Formguide: Leinster – LWWLL. Treviso – WLLLL.

Forecast: Leinster win.