Dan Sheehan: La Rochelle re-match mission 'special' for Leinster

Dan Sheehan admits that Leinster's preference was to get another shot at La Rochelle as they chase Champions Cup glory.

The Ireland hooker came on as a replacement in last season's heart-breaking final loss as Ronan O'Gara's side scored in the last play of the game to earn their first European title.

The 24-year-old was not in the match-day panel for the semi-final in 2021 when Stade Rochelais also got the better of the Blues .

Yesterday's 47-28 victory for the Top14 outfit over Exeter has set up the dream Dublin final on 20 May for Leinster and their fans.

"It would be nice to get La Rochelle again," Sheehan told RTÉ Sport.

"That one hurt us last year. To get another swipe again especially here at the Aviva in front of the home crowd would be something special.

"The season we have had, the depth that we have in the squad [gives us more confidence].

"I think that our set-piece has been excellent so far this year. We are an improved squad this year we have that winning mentality and hopefully now in a few weeks we will come full prepped and be able to do the job."

Two-try hero Jack Conan said that Leinster have been frustrated since winning the title in 2018, falling short at the quarter-final, semi-final and final stage (twice).

"Leinster Rugby prides itself on its European pedigree and we really haven't been on the level in some regard in the last few years," the 30-year-old Ireland and Lions back row said.

"We’ve fallen short a good few times, 2019, all the years really, but 2019 and last year in finals.

"We’re massively excited to right a few wrongs and lads are in such a good mental headspace more than anything. There’s such clarity and calmness in everything we do.

"We’re able to stay neutral, stay in the moment and just focus