Leinster’s Robbie Henshaw and Jamison Gibson-Park celebrate after Henshaw scored his side's fourth try in their Champions Cup match against La Rochelle at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday. Photograph: Nick Elliott/Inpho

Much is made – too much, most likely – of the age profile of the Ireland team and its bulk suppliers Leinster. Amid the almost-constant and tiresome refrain for new blood, the sight of first Josh van der Flier and then Robbie Henshaw haring up the right touchline to score Leinster’s match-turning tries against La Rochelle were welcome reminders that there is plenty of life left in the old dogs yet.

The pair of multi-capped 32-year-olds have looked as fit and fast as ever this season, and the same is true of the 33-year-old Jamison Gibson-Park. After the additional workload of the Lions tour, when playing five games and starting all three Tests, Gibson-Park’s wellbeing this season has been fretted over more than ever.

This is even truer in light of Craig Casey’s AC injury, alb

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