'Hi, it's David Hasselhoff' - The Hoff's video message backing Welsh Grand Slam

If Barrett was eligible to play he should have started. There is value to bringing a highly intelligent player on after halftime, but no value if the match has been almost lost in the first half and it has turned into a slug fest where individuals can’t affect it as much.

Leinster had to level with the three pointer. They would have won extra time if it came to that. And thats with full respect to Northampton but they would not have prevailed in the last twenty. The entire second half was damage limitation to win.

I remember Leinster were 12 points ahead of Connaught in the URC. They refused a 3 pointer, Connaught turned them over went down and scored. Then they had another penalty only 5 points ahead. Leinster were considering a kick to corner and Barrett grabbed the ball and pointed to the sticks.

Leinster and Ireland do not have the onfield nous. And that was another reason why a general like Barrett was needed for this battle.

The decision not to play him feels like it ha sundermined his brilliant stint with Leinster. The man deserved a chance to help Leinster win. He has gone above the call to help Leinster and teach players. He is one of the outstanding centres in the world and he doesnt play? Henshaw has been passed it for two years, and I’m Irish.

Leinster don’t have that much quality matches. So they need to do their own targetted stress testing in training. They didn’t do that. Otherwise how could Northampton uncover such a treasure trove by analysing Leinsters weaknesses?

I am gutted for Leinster. Any talk of choking is nonsense. They kept coming back in that match and almost won at the death. Coaching and on field decision making. I don’t blame Nienaber.