Keenan wants Leinster be aware of 'hurt' Toulouse this weekend
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Keenan wants Leinster be aware of 'hurt' Toulouse this weekend

LEINSTER HUGO KEENAN HAS warned his teammates to be on their toes ahead of the Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse.

The Top14 side head to the Aviva Stadium looking to avenge their 40-17 defeat to Leo Cullen's side on Saturday.

Leinster's form in the United Rugby Championship, but this stage of the season is where the Irish province is really tested.

Last year after Leinster's win over Toulouse, they lost the final to La Rochelle. They then lost the semi-final of the URC to the Vodacom Bulls.

Ugo Mola’s team are in a much better position than last year's hammering to Leinster and the likes of Keenan is acutely aware at the task of hand.

"They are probably still a bit bitter and hurting from it," said the Grand Slam winner.

Dublin , Ireland - 7 April 2023; Hugo Keenan of Leinster (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

"It’s something that we have to be aware of as well. At the same time, they are the ones with five stars and they got there before us.

"It’s something that’s motivating us so we have to find things like that to keep driving us on.

"We have to use it in the right way, as a motivator but not let it seep into your mind, your thoughts.

"It’s been a disappointing last few seasons in Europe, losing in a final, semi-final and quarter-final and a lot of us haven't won a Heineken Cup so it’s definitely the number one goal for us this season.

"We are not going to be shy of motivation."

"But they’re the ones with five stars, but they got there before us.

"That’s the way we’re looking at it, so we’re not going to be shy of motivation either."

Leinster's game against Toulouse starts at 3pm on Saturday.

The game is live on RTE