Leinster's James Ryan thrilled with defensive fortitude against Toulouse

Leinster captain James Ryan has said the way his team cut down the attacking prowess of Toulouse will give them immense confidence heading into the Heineken Champions Cup final next month.

Leo Cullen's side produced some spells of brilliance - especially on the two occasions Toulouse were down to 14 players - to record a convincing 41-22 win at the Aviva Stadium with the visitors tagging on their third try with the last play and the game already settled.

The five-time champions did produce flashes of danger, usually when Antoine Dupont, playing in a roaming role, displayed his typically fast hands to release team-mates, but Leinster were able to shut them down them consistently.

"We’re happy enough, tough game. I’d say it was probably the toughest game we played all season, particularly that first 40 minutes," Ryan told RTÉ Sport afterwards.

"Toulouse are probably the best attacking side in Europe or up there as the best attacking side in Europe. Defensively it’s always such a tough game.

"One to 15, delighted to be able to test ourselves today and to be in the final."

Leinster captain James Ryan believes that his team have beaten the best attacking side in Europe. pic.twitter.com/uYvYfTqM6a

In the analysis of the game, it’s hard to escape just how clinical Leinster were when Toulouse were down to 14 players, the hosts racking up 28 points in the 20 minutes when Thomas Ramos and Rodrigue Neti had to watch on from the touchline.

That scoring streak, Ryan said, was crucial to the outcome.

"We had to because it was a close game, there was a window there were we had to make the most of it and we managed it pretty well. We’re happy with how we managed that.

"Look, it’s a special day. Champions Cup semi-finals in the Aviva, your