Toner calls for renewed Leinster focus

A hard-fought victory over Harlequins last weekend may have kept Leinster's European hopes alive but the lock concedes Matt O'Connor's troops were frustrated by how their set piece struggled against the Premiership side.

Despite a mixed campaign that has left Leinster sitting fifth in the table, the reigning GUINNESS PRO12 champions have the chance to steal a march on their rivals as they face three consecutive Irish derbies.

And with Connacht looking to spoil Leinster's festive spirit and leapfrog them in the table at the RDS Arena on Friday night, Toner is adamant his pack will need to be at their best.

"Even though we did win against Quins, the lads felt down after it because we didn't show our ability and the set piece is a huge part of that," he said.

"If you look at the lineout, we won 11 out of 14, but it's how we play off it and we weren't getting what we wanted from our scrum.

"We weren't able to play off it basically. Our percentages were way down there. It is something we need to look at and need to rectify quickly.

"The intensity of the games is going to be massive. This next block, including these last two games, are so important to our season. It's kind of make or break.

"If we beat Connacht, we're in the top four which is where we want to be. Connacht are just one point behind us but Munster and Ulster are a way ahead of us.

"Connacht are going to be tough to break down, the set piece is going to be hugely important and we will have to negate their threats.

"Everyone is going to be taking points off each other though so this period is massively important and as I say it's kind of make or break for our season."

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