Friday 17 April 2015 13:38, UK
Shaun Edwards says Leinster must come flying out of the blocks if they are to upset Toulon in Sunday's Champions Cup semi-final.
Leinster are huge underdogs against the French heavyweights, who are bidding to become to the first team to win three successive titles.
Wales defence coach Edwards saw chinks in Toulon’s armour during their quarter-final win over Wasps but says Leinster must build an early lead to stand any chance of avenging last year’s defeat to the same opposition.
Edwards told Sky Sports News HQ: “They need to get off to a good start and put a bit of doubt in the Toulon players’ minds.
“If Toulon get in front they’re such a hard team to break down. If Leinster can come fast out of the blocks they have got magicians like Ian Madigan, who is a fantastic player. They need to just chip away and try to build up a score.
“Sometimes Toulon’s discipline can be a bit negative and Leinster have an excellent goalkicker in Madigan. If they can go six or 12 points in front it will put some doubt in Toulon’s mind.”
In the other semi-final, Clermont Auvergne and Saracens meet at this stage for the second successive year. Clermont produced one of the performances of the season in their quarter-final annihilation of Northampton, but Edwards says doubts remain over their ability to perform on the biggest stage.
“Clermont are going into this after being hammered by Saracens last year, so is it going to be doubt or determination which comes to the fore in their minds?” he asked.
“That’s why the start is vital. You don’t want to be coming from behind against Saracens. Like Ireland, once they get in front it’s very hard to catch up.”
Watch Toulon v Leinster live on Sky Sports 2 on Sunday from 2.30pm
