There was yet more heartbreak for Leinster in the Champions Cup final on Saturday, as they came up short in the decider for the third year in a row.
The matchup of Leinster with five-time champions Toulouse was a mouthwatering one on paper and it did not disappoint, throwing up one of the most thrilling European finals in recent memory.
Nothing separated the sides at full-time, with an extra 20 minutes required to decide the winner. Come the final whistle, Leinster had been defeated by nine points despite being on top in several key areas and enjoying a man advantage for the second half of extra time.
The days following the final have been defined by an inquest into how Leinster have managed to lose on a fourth consecutive appearance in the Champions Cup final and for the third year in succession.
Several hypotheses have been put forward, with the most comment (and justified) being a widespread criticism of their decision to repeatedly kick to touch rather than taking the points on offer from kicks at goal.
But Leinster had also had several big opportunities inside the Toulouse 22, and would not score a try until deep into extra-time. England legend Chris Ashton has claimed that the lack of leadership in such a key area was a key factor in Leinster's defeat.
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Chris Ashton slams Leinster's indecision in the 22
25 May 2024; Leinster players watch the trophy presentation after their side's defeat in the Investec Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Ashton, the leading try scorer in Champions Cup history, spoke on the BBC's Rugby podcast from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.
The recently retired wing said that he felt that Leinster's half-backs had failed to take ownership when the team found themselves in the 22. Most intriguingly, he said he could not see such a problem transpiring had Johnny Sexton still been in the team.
A few times, they made four or five clean breaks through but, as soon as they got to the five-metre line, they couldn't get past it. They couldn't get any closer.
They've made the break - who's taking charge of that then for Leinster? That was the confusing bit for me.
Is it Gibson-Park who's controlling it around the ruck? It wasn't clear and I don't think they really know. Some of that falls on Byrne too - he has to take control of those moments, putting people in position as the break is going on to what is coming next.
Had Johnny Sexton been there, you know for a fact had he been there, once that break is made, he wants the ball. Everything's being sorted out, he knows if it's a pass or it's a kick and everyone's in place for the next play.
Whereas [on Saturday], Leinster made the break, got five metres out, didn't have an answer. It was always forced or just slightly behind, or they went around the back and Toulouse just had it covered.
There is no arguing that Leinster were not sufficiently clinical in the Toulouse 22. It is reasonable to question what went wrong in the area, even if the post-Sexton era cannot be defined by questions of "What if?"
For Leo Cullen's side, it is set to be yet another painful summer of reflection from a final which they let slip through their grasp. They do still have a shot at silverware this season, with one final regular season URC game against Connacht this Friday before the play-offs next month.
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