Champions Cup: Leinster centre Garry Ringrose wary of ‘best in Europe’ Toulouse

Stan Wilson

Leinster are set to face last year’s winner of the Champions Cup, Toulouse, this weekend and centre Garry Ringrose is well aware that his provincial side are facing “the very best in Europe”.

The 2018 champions will host the clash at Aviva Stadium, just a week after it was borrowed by Munster for their semi-final loss, with the winners of the match travelling to Marseille to face off with either Racing 92 or La Rochelle.

Toulouse’s second trip to Dublin in as many weeks would put them on their way to win their sixth Champions Cup while hosts Leinster will look to tie Toulouse with five should they progress.

Leinster have named an unchanged side for the fixture while Toulouse are bringing back winger Juan Cruz Mallia, prop Cyril Baille and back-rower Anthony Jelonch.

Constant threat

“Toulouse have a lot of quality, with the ability to score from anywhere on the pitch. They keep the ball alive and play after contact,” Leinster and Ireland centre Ringrose told EPC Rugby.

“They have a sixth sense, an instinct to find each other. They are perfectly synchronised and are very difficult to stop.

“We once again have the opportunity to achieve great things in this competition.

“Playing against Toulouse – a club with a rich European history, the only team with five stars on their shirt – will be a test against the very best in Europe.

“Everyone arrived on Monday morning (after Leicester) with aches and pains. But in terms of energy, motivation, the group is looking forward to Saturday.”

Ringrose’s provincial and international teammate James Lowe, added: “In any sort of club rugby, I think this is as big as it gets.

“They have got five stars on the chest, something we have been striving for the last few years.

“They are the current holders and the current Top 14 champions. To win this title you have got to beat the best.”

READ MORE: Champions Cup: Leinster name unchanged XV for Toulouse showdown