Matt O’Connor has said that Leinster can’t wait to get back to the RDS and that the team are looking to “bounce back” from the defeat against Munster.

Speaking in the latest episode of Leinster TV’s Across the Laighin, O’Connor spoke about the excitement in the Leinster camp about returning to the RDS and the challenge Wasps will pose this evening when Leinster kick-off their Champions Cup campaign.

Leinster’s last home game saw O’Connor’s men fall to a 34-23 defeat against Munster, but he says he is looking for the province to bounce back from that disappointment.

“To lose at Munster in the Aviva is very disappointing – that hurt a lot, a lot of bruised egos. We’ve got to make sure that we bounce back from that.”

A win away to Zebre and another four points in the Guinness PRO12 was the first step in that process, the next is tonight in the RDS against Wasps in the Champions Cup. O’Connor is looking for a strong start from his team, which will be boosted by the unique atmosphere at the RDS Arena for European fixtures. 

“We’ve got to make sure that we get off to a good start against Wasps at home at the RDS. It’s always a fantastic place to play and the guys are very excited about going back to the RDS. The edge in training and the enthusiasm to put out a quality performance first game out (in the Champions Cup) at home at the RDS is very exciting.”

While Leinster will be looking to leave the RDS with a first win in the new Champions Cup, Wasps will be hoping to do likewise. Only one team can win and O’Connor knows what awaits his side this evening in the RDS Arena. 

“We have got the utmost respect for Wasps; they’re very, very well coached. They’ve put together a very dangerous and capable squad. From that end we know what the expectation is and we know what we’re going to have to deliver on Sunday. Our only focus is on Wasps and doing enough to get out of the group, hopefully doing enough to end up in Dublin in a quarter-final.”

Tickets for Leinster v Wasps are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

Tickets can also be purchased from the RDS box office from 1pm. 

For more from Matt O’Connor, watch the latest episode of Across the Laighin.