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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Leinster's James Ryan predicts Champions Cup final with La Rochelle will go down to the wire - again

Leinster skipper James Ryan insists there is no pre-planned plan on Leinster's part to go for the jugular - despite failing to do so cost them dearly against La Rochelle last season.

The Blues stuck to a policy of kicking their points against Les Maritimes in Marseille, with Johnny Sexton nailing six out of six and Ross Byrne adding one more when he came on.

But it wasn't enough, with Arthur Retiere's late try clinching victory. Leinster had gone away from the free-scoring exploits that made them the most dangerous side of last season and went down having conceded three tries and scored none.

READ MORE: Leinster ready to 'do business' with Tadhg Furlong good to go in Champions Cup final

Ryan was asked if, in that context, there will be a change in Leinster's approach this afternoon. "It's not that easy," said the 26-year-old, who is again stepping in for the injured Sexton.

"A big part of it is feel - trusting your gut and instinct.

"We'll see how the game has gone, see how our set piece is doing, how our lineout drive is doing and the way of all these things.

"It won't just be my decision, it'll be a decision I made alongside Garry (Ringrose), Ross Byrne, Ross Molony. We'll see how we're doing."

Ryan predicts that this one will also go down to the wire.

"You just know finals are about fine margins and this will be no different," he said.

"It's going to be another close final, I think, but the big thing for us is we prepared really well all week, we're in a great space and we're excited to play in a home final.

"All the important parts of the game are still there. Defence is so important in a final, they've got a particularly good attack, great width, set-piece is crucial.

"So, it's just getting those areas right in the game. We're excited to play in front of our supporters, family and friends.

"It's a very unique, special day and we're looking forward to it."

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