Bad and all as it was, last year will surely stand to them and the hope must be that the younger, fringe players who've been thrown in at the deep end will benefit from the experience and that Leinster will be mentally stronger to tough out close games.

Buoyed by the return of so many injured players, they'll be as good as anyone when at full-strength. Declan Kidney, who looks just what they needed, and his wily management team will surely unify a previously divided squad.

The outhalf slot remains a cursed and an unsolved riddle and so a signing remains likely. There'll be a desire for redemption, there should be no end-of-season free-fall but, no less than Munster, their best days and nights are liable to be in Europe.

In: Guy Easterby (Rotherham), Ricky Nebbett (Leicester Tigers), Ciaran Potts (upgraded), David McAllister (Clontarf, dev contract).

Out: Niall Breslin (retired), Derek Hegarty (retired), Aidan Kearney (released), Matthew Leek (Coventry).

Coach: Declan Kidney.

Last season: 8th.

Odds: 8/1.

Forecast: 5th.