Leinster must find their best form against exciting Toulouse side in Champions Cup semi-finals

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  • Leinster take on Toulouse in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup in Dublin on Sunday.

    Leo Cullen’s men are bidding to win back-to-back titles, but must overcome the stiff challenge of an in-form French opponent first.

    Here, we take a look at the key talking points ahead of the match:

    RETURN OF O’BRIEN AND SEXTON

    The return of star men Johnny Sexton and Sean O’Brien will give Leinster a timely boost.

    Sexton, 33, has not played for the province since the 26-17 defeat to Munster on December 29. But even with a lack of minutes, has the ability to turn it on when it matters.

    The World Player of the Year endured a patchy Six Nations campaign, yet his clever kicking game and solid distribution will add a fresh cutting edge and composure to the Leinster attack.

    O’Brien, meanwhile, has struggled to make the impact expected of him after returning from an arm injury in February.

    A titanic performance against Scotland in the Six Nations was followed by a number of sub-par displays where his fitness and general involvement has looked off the boil.

    Sunday’s fixture, though, is the perfect opportunity for the 32-year-old to rediscover that sparkling form of old.

    With injuries to Dan Leavy and Josh van der Flier, O’Brien’s ferocious carrying and tireless work at the breakdown will be essential to Leinster securing frontfoot ball.

    The Blues need their key men to shine if they are to reach a second European final in two seasons.

    CAN LEINSTER RETURN TO THEIR BEST?

    Leinster may not have produced the same roaring performances of late, but with a place in the decider at stake, expect them to come storming out of the traps early on.

    In fact, for all the talk of Leinster’s recent mixed displays, they have only lost once in their last 11 matches, most of which have been played without a full deck of cards to select from.

    With marquee names like Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Devin Toner returning to the fold, it’s set up to be a blockbuster battle against a strong Toulouse side.

    For Leinster to advance, they need to produce a devastating defensive effort to starve Toulouse’s accuracy and pace in attack. When in possession, Sexton needs to select the right options and push his forwards to grind through the phases, with the sheer pace of Jordan Larmour to unlock out wide.

    James Lowe and Henshaw’s accuracy with and without the ball – added to Luke McGrath and Sexton’s general class – will allow them to gain a foothold in the contest.

    TOULOUSE ATTACKING FLAIR

    Toulouse, currently leading the Top14 by eight points, have already beaten Leinster this season – 28-27 in the pool stages in October.

    However, if the French side are to advance to a first final since 2010, they need to get the basics right, win their set piece and take opportunities at the right times.

    Defensively, Toulouse showed iron-like qualities in the quarter-final win over Racing 92 last month, playing for 58 minutes with 14-men after Zack Holmes was sent-off midway through the first half.

    To restrict Racing – the best attacking side in the league – to just 11 points after Holmes’ dismissal underlines their granite-like abilities and determination when the pressure is on. This will be essential against Leinster.

    Ugo Mola’s men have shown plenty of attacking flair, most recently illustrated in their thrilling 47-44 victory over Clermont last weekend, which sealed a seventh victory in eight matches.

    In Antoine Dupont, Toulouse have one of the most dangerous half-backs in European rugby who can cause real damage with ball in hand.

    Dupont was man of the match against Racing and his sniping breaks from No10 make him a real threat to Leinster’s defence.

    Outside the French international, Cheslin Kolbe, Yoann Huget and Thomas Ramos have the ability to attack from any angle and will put Rob Kearney and Co under all sorts of pressure if they are afford the right ball.

    If Toulouse can mix that accuracy in defence and attack, they will be in with a chance.

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