Leinster captain Caelan Doris revealed that the looming departures of several squad members served as extra motivation in their 20-11 URC semi-final triumph over the Stormers at Aviva Stadium. The defending champions built a strong early lead before weathering a second-half comeback from the South African outfit, with Doris acknowledging missed opportunities that could have made the result more comfortable.

Jamison Gibson-Park crossed for the decisive try after the Stormers were reduced to 13 players, sealing Leo Cullen's side passage to the final against the Bulls. While Ciaran Frawley confirmed his exit at season's end, uncertainty surrounds James Lowe's future following his record-breaking try-scoring exploits for the province. The win sets up a title defense against opponents they defeated in last season's showpiece.

Head coach Cullen praised his players' resilience after what he described as their sixth playoff game of the campaign, admitting these contests take a physical toll. Despite the victory, he identified areas needing improvement before the Dublin final. The result puts Leinster back on track after last month's Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux-Begles.

The win demonstrates how Leinster's experienced core can harness emotional factors while maintaining their competitive edge. With several players potentially playing their final games for the province, the squad has embraced the moment rather than dwelling on departures.