And another shock looked to be on the cards on Saturday night at half-time at the RDS with Aironi leading 7-0 through a converted Nick Williams try.
But not for nothing are Leinster champions of Europe and they came storming back in the second period, running in four tries through Isa Nacewa, Luke Fitzgerald, Rhys Ruddock and Ian Madigan.
And after sealing their third win of the season Schmidt admitted that the bonus-point win was crucial ahead of next week's all Irish clash with the in-form Connacht.
"I felt that we created a few chances in the first so, even though we were behind, there was no real sense of panic," he said.
"I was delighted with the pressure that we applied in the second half and we felt that it was there to take.
"To be honest, we're delighted to get the win and the bonus point but we know that it will be a massive challenge next weekend against an in-form Connacht."
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