Leinster and Ireland star Jordan Larmour believes the team is eager to end their trophy drought this season after several years without major silverware.
The Irish province enters the new campaign on the hunt for titles, having fallen short once again in both the URC and Champions Cup last season. Leo Cullen's side lost the 2022 and 2023 finals to the French opposition.
Their last URC title came in 2021.
Larmour, now one of the senior members of the squad, admitted the team is determined to learn from their previous mistakes.
"It was frustrating coming away with no trophies, but that's the goal this season—to win them, and we're going to do everything we can to make that happen," the 27-year-old told RTÉ Sport.
Leinster's game against Toulouse last season went to extra time after finishing 15-15 in regular time. Toulouse eventually prevailed 31-22. Larmour revealed that Leinster's breakdown play was one of the key reasons for their defeat last summer.
"In the final, it was probably our breakdown that let us down," he added.
"I think Dupont got three turnovers in that game, so that's a big area of focus for us. We know teams are going to come hard at us, so we have to be red hot in that area.
"Our approach is, no matter who the opposition is, we scout them, break down their defence, and identify where we can attack. We hold ourselves to high standards in both training and matches.
"It's tough—there are fine margins at the top level. Over the last three years, we've probably just been off by a couple of percent, and that's all it takes at this level."
James Ryan, right, and Garry Ringrose of Leinster after the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between Leinster and La Rochelle at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Regarding team news, here is Leinster's side for the game against Osprey's later today
Jamie Osborne starts as the province's fullback. He is joined in the back three by wingers Jordan Larmour and Jimmy O'Brien. In midfield, Liam Turner and Charlie Tector get the nod from Leo Cullen.
The side's halfbacks are Ross Byrne at flyhalf and Luke McGrath at scrumhalf.
In the front row, Cian Healy will become Leinster's record appearance holder this week when he plays his 281st game. He starts alongside Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson. The engine room consists of the duo James Ryan and Brian Deeny. The side is completed by a backup trio of Max Deegan, Will Connors, and Jack Conan.
Michael Milne, who was withdrawn from the season opener after 48 minutes with an ankle injury, has been named on the bench alongside summer signing Rabah Slimani and hooker Lee Barron.
Ireland internationals Josh van der Flier and Joe McCarthy make up the remainder of the forward reinforcements for Friday night’s game at the Aviva.
Academy duo Fintan Gunne and Aitzol King take their place among the replacements, with Harry Byrne offering cover at out-half.
Kick-off is at 7:35 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on TG4 and Premier Sport.
Leinster team to play Dragons
Fullback Jamie Osborne;
Wingers: Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien;
Centres: Liam Turner, Charlie Tector
Halfbacks: Luke McGrath; Ross Byrne,
Front Row: Cian Healy, Gus McCarthy, Thomas Clarkson;
Second Row: Brian Deeny, James Ryan;
Back Row: Max Deegan, Will Connors, Jack Conan (captain).
Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Fintan Gunne, Harry Byrne, and Aitzol King.
