Paul de Villiers of Stormers is held up just short of the try line by Luke McGrath of Leinster at Cape Town on September 26th. Photograph: Steve Haag Sports/EJ Langner/Inpho
If the last two weekends are any indication, Leinster will be forced to follow a very different pathway to compete for silverware this season.
That does not mean that the men from D4 will not be contesting playoff matches in the spring of next year, but it does mean they will not be at the top of the United Rugby Championship for the entire season.
That may turn out to be a good thing for both Leinster and the league itself. Having other teams leading the way creates new drama and excitement.
For Leinster, the unwelcome burden of expectation that comes from leading for the entire campaign will be reduced.
As the unprecedented number of players Leinster contributed to the Lions tour are only now returning after their preseasons, the province have
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