A few years back Leinster was dominating Europe in winning back to back European cups. A few french teams were pissed off given the heavy Laden Irish representation as well as having fewer games throughout the season. 

Fast forward to the present and all of a sudden Leinster just can't get their hands on any trophies. 

I for one am very happy as it appears to be an overhyped team 

That was a choke...they started like a house on fire and then imploded...good comeback by LaRochelle .

You're a hard man kc ...............   your words, recent back to back Euro winners, hardly deserves a bollocking after a one point loss.

Aye Byrne lands one of the two conversions he hit the post with and Leinster would of won, very small margins. La Rochelle are an excellent team and dominated that second half so all credit to them. 

Well, Leinster definitely had the edge, home crowd, full stadium, players rested. They torpedoed the URC game for this one. Only to come up empty. 

They have a system that works extremely well, probably the best league team and would have won the league had it not been for play offs.

That said, knock out rugby is a different game. 

La Rochelle also has the biggest pack in Europe. 

I just wonder if they lack that extra dimension when a team figure you out. 

They are still by far a top team. 

But I don't feel sorry for them given that they fielded a weaker team thinking they would walk this. 

It was a game for the ages

 Ronan O Garra is one hec of a coach 

Well the way you beat Leinster and Ireland for the last few years, is to get on top upfront. 

At a club level I think La Rochelle are one of the few teams who can do that to Leinster, they are absolutely monstrous. Of the SA teams I think maybe only the Sharks have the potential to do that but as a whole package the Sharks are no where near Leinster at the moment.

While on the international level South Africa and France are best equipped to do that to Ireland. Ironically Leinster Vs Toulose in the Semi's was seen as Ireland Vs France as both teams had the most international players from their respective countries and Ireland dominated that game.

The margins where very tight. Leinster exit kicks where very poor and heaped a whole load of pressure back on them. The loss of Ryan was a big blow, coupled with the lack of Sexton (who apparently got into some sort scuffle with some La-Rochelle players at half time) I think Leinster lacked a bit of leadership. Ala'alatoa's red card at end killed a good chance for Leinster to nick at the death. 

Agree with you on O'Garra. He's a great coach. Thankfully South Africa won't hire a foreigner for head coach of the national team. 

But I don't feel sorry for them given that they fielded a weaker team thinking they would walk this. 

Just to note La-Rochelle did the same last weekend as well. 

Ireland and Leinster choke in the final countdown.
The best team Crusaders hardly rested players and if so it was  directed by the NZ board
Nope , keep the foot right down on the gas for 80min per game and the entire season.

Yeah but the Crusaders where not competing in two tournaments.

Leinster had momentum at the end but gave it up with that shoulder charge cleanout at the ruck...that was the game right there...hope the coach flog the idiot. 

Leinster won the round phases of the URC with ease - only to be taken out by a local derby bogey .

And that counts for nothing if you can't lift the trophy...I'll bet you they won't rest their players in the URC semi final next year.

... like getting a year mark of 96% and then failing the final exam. 

Winning the rounds phase is second only to winning the final. 
They have been the most consistent team, and it is hard to argue that they have not been the top team in the tournament.

Losing the semi does not make them a bad team, or a team that could not have won the final. 
They must be disappointed, but so are all the other teams that do not win the final. 

That's true, but yet no trophy...what a let down for the fans...

Toulouse has been the most successful team in this comp with 5 wins. Leinster showing great flair lately but takes more than that to be a great team. 

If you are the top team in the league, you get all your games at home. So no travelling, you more time to train. No hotels etc. 

why shouldn’t you win. 

How many teams have won a final away from home?

But in Leinster case, the lost to Munster and La Rochelle at him. They also lost to the bulls last year.