Saints semi-final not just another game, says Leinster out-half Ross Byrne

Ross Byrne admits Leinster can't treat Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton as just another game.

Leo Cullen’s side are looking to bridge a six-year gap since last conquering Europe.

Since beating Racing 92 in 2018, Leinster have lost three finals, including the last two deciders, both times against La Rochelle.

The quarter-final victory over Ronan O’Gara’s side was the first time Leinster won a knock-out clash against the Top14 outfit and now English Premiership leaders Northampton stand in the way of them and another final (Saturday, 5.30pm, live on RTÉ).

The fact that the Aviva Stadium is unavailable and over 80,000 people will fill Croke Park makes the occasion even more special, according to the 29-year-old Ireland out-half.

"It’s the semi-final of the Champions Cup, which is a very special competition and the fact that it’s in Croke Park as well is huge," Byrne (above), who is in line for a 158th appearance in blue if named on Friday afternoon, said.

"It’s probably slightly different but it comes down to us and how we perform at the end of the day.

"I’ve been [to Croke Park] a fair few times. It’s an iconic stadium so it’s very special to get the chance to play there.

"I was actually shocked [it sold out so quickly], I think we all were.

"It’s brilliant, it just shows how good our supporters are. The excitement around just shows how special a stadium Croke Park is so hopefully it’s a great occasion."

While Leinster had beaten La Rochelle in the pool stages in December, their first success in a knock-out game against their rivals was seen as a statement of intent.

Byrne, player of the match in the 40-13 win, said: "It seems like it’s a long time ago now.

"We took the lessons and moved on. It was a