Jordie Barrett believes Leinster will reap the benefits from blooding young players

Jordie Barrett paid tribute to opponents Connacht after Leinster's 20-12 BKT URC derby win at Aviva Stadium, and believes that Leo Cullen's decision to select five academy players as starters will bear fruit.

Leinster wins over Connacht are expected outcomes, with this victory an 11th consecutive win for the dominant force in this interprovincial rivalry.

However, Leinster's 10th straight win of the season did come against a Connacht outfit at close to full strength, while the home side were shorn of 15 internationals either resting or recuperating from injuries.

We need your consent to load this comcast-player content We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

Reflecting on his first taste of Irish interpro action, Barrett, told RTÉ Sport: "I absolutely loved it. Connacht are a class team.

"We understood the assignment we had all week. They're a team that are tough and resilient and didn't go away and, as you could see, a couple of moments there, they could have easily taken that match."

The Kiwi felt conditions and lack of clinical finishing prevented Leinster from being further ahead than 14-0 at the interval.

"We left a few out there in the first half. There was a bit of a wind, so there was a bit of help when they were kicking the ball long and if you get backed into a corner, it's pretty hard to get out.

"They understood what we did to them and they did the same thing. Unfortunately, our discipline didn't allow us entries into their half, but Connacht were outstanding tonight.

"I guess the pleasing thing for Leinster is that we blooded a lot of young boys with not