Johann hails ‘incredible’ year but rues lapses in Reds’ defence

players. They had one or two opportunities and they took them. Our defence has been incredible all year but you have to produce on the day. ‘That’s rugby, that’s life and you take it on the chin.’ Van Graan (left) took time out to pay tribute to a team he has been in charge of for little more than four months, as well as a travelling support estimated at 10,000. ‘I’m only here for a few months. I’ve had a fantastic time and they’re an incredible squad of players. We had a plan today and we believed in our plan but we gave them an incredible start. ‘We had incredible support; it’s an incredible club, incredible people. We wanted to go one step better this year but it wasn’t to be.’ It will be an especially intriguing decider for Johnny Sexton, as he comes up against the club where he spent an unfulfilled two years. Leinster will be favourites for the match after their form all season, and their coach Leo Cullen said his team are inspired by Ireland’s Grand Slam feat. The hunger that shaped that glorious springtime campaign is now fuelling what could be an unforgettable campaign. Leinster will be strongly fancied to win their fourth European Cup in three weeks’ time. ‘The group, the experiences they’ve had coming off the back of the Six Nations just makes them want to do it again,’ said Cullen. ‘The crowd out there was amazing. What it means to the public is great and the players really feed off that. They’re the guys they hang out with. Everyone’s friends and family are there as well. It was a great day. We will try and draw on that experience.

Cullen, meanwhile, has been hailed by Leinster lynchpin, Johnny Sexton, for his role in the province’s resurgence. ‘He’s had a great impact from when he came back from Leicester as a player to captain us to three trophies and now leading the way at the top,’ Sexton said. ‘The organisation relies on top down, the leadership from above, and a big decision to bring in Stuart (Lancaster) as well and share the workload. Stuart has been immense as well so big credit to all those coaches. This week especially was brilliant and the preparation that went in has been outstanding.’