Heaslip: Leinster in a better position this season

The Irish No.8 rejected the notion that the season would be seen as a failure if Leinster do not run out victorious at the RDS on Saturday, despite the threat of their first trophyless season in four years.

And Heaslip credits his side's table-topping performance this season with the hard work put in by everyone at the club every day since last year's triumph.

"It's about what we did in pre-season, it's about what we did on the terrible, cold, wet days in winter or yesterday in training," he told Sports News Ireland.

"If we come together and play to our standard, we'll get the outcome that we deserve. I know we've had success over the last couple of years.

"If you compare it to last year, we're in a better position. Last year we didn't get out of our group in Europe, this year we got out but unfortunately got beaten by the team who went on to win it.

"The guys who take the field [on Saturday] are going to know their job and will execute to the best of their ability and then back it up for 80 minutes."

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