ONLY ONCE in the last four years have Leinster won in France, when completing back-to-back victories over Agen three seasons ago.

But however much the 33-6 defeat to a rampant Toulouse two seasons ago was understandable, the defeat to Bourgoin four seasons ago, and especially Castres last season, act as the loudest of alarm bells for this Saturday’s crucial tie in Brive.

Leinster almost had to invite Castres back into the match after taking an early grip on proceedings a week after beating them 33-6 at the RDS in Dublin.

With Jonathan Sexton withdrawn at half-time, Felipe Contepomi had a decidedly undistinguished 40 minutes when being pressed back into service and the subsequent 18-15 defeat was probably the low point of the season.

The most relevant lesson to be learned from that evening is to sustain the effort and concentration levels over 80 minutes, as defensive coach Kurt McQuilkin admitted yesterday.

“Early on against Castres last year we scored a try, kicked a penalty then we took the foot off the pedal mentally. We didn’t really hammer it home and they got more confidence and grew into the game.

“We know now that we’ve just got to go down there and just hammer it for 80 minutes, really take on that mentality we finished with last year whereby we just gotta keep going, and no one sticks their head above the parapet. We just hammer away for 80.”

Of some consolation to Leinster and McQuilkin, especially in the wake of last Saturday’s home defeat to London Irish, is that they have kept their tryline intact for 190 minutes, although he would happily have coughed up a try or two in exchange for a win.

McQuilkin is happy with their line speed in defence and trust in each other and their system, and making a statement early on in the Stade Municipal on Saturday will be critical.

“I think you have to start right. You can’t let a breach early on. The French, if they get their tails up early on, are very hard to knock, even with the large English contingent in their ranks. You gotta get mean early, line speed up and really look to make a few impacts early on just to set the mark.

“With the likes of (Viliame) Waqaseuadua out on the wings, those sort of guys who are pretty good on their feet, we can’t afford to let them breach us, especially early on.”

As with so many French clubs, Brive are almost unrecognisable at home, especially under lights and if their crowd gets into the game.

“At home they’re tough, definitely. Funny enough, with that English contingent in there they’re very structured for the first couple of phases, but they also have that flair in them, especially at fullback – he likes to take it on and have a go.

“They’re not predictable, but you can sort of pick a pattern out early on and then if you can snuff it early on you’re grand. But if it gets to that stage where they’re starting to fling it around, they can be quite dangerous.

“So from a defensive point of view, if you start dropping under especially out in those wider channels, that’s where they’ll hurt you with their back three, because they like to run it and they like to have the ball in hand.”

As an aside, McQuilkin ruled himself out of taking over from Michael Cheika at the end of the season when the Australian returns home on completing five seasons with Leinster. “Nah, I wouldn’t be putting my name forward. There’s plenty of better coaches than me around to be a head coach. I’m pretty happy doing what I’m doing, being part of the team and having my own little area to work with and beavering away there.

“I’m sure there’s plenty more candidates more qualified than I am to take on Leinster.”

Thus, Leinster will not be emulating the Munster route, whereby the assistant/defensive coach, Tony McGahan, took over from Declan Kidney in a promotion from within which, overall, is probably the ideal.

For his part McGahan is likely to also add a few more names to the 22 who were on duty against Northampton for Saturday’s game against Treviso when he announces his squad tomorrow.

Ultimately, though, the likelihood is that it will be an unchanged team come kick-off, with the Munster coach now seeking some continuity after a disrupted first month to the season.

“We’re fully focused on the task in hand against a Treviso side boosted by their win over Perpignan and with nothing to lose. Everyone is fit and well,” said McGahan yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ulster announced yesterday that Vodafone Northern Ireland has committed itself to a further three years partnership with the province, and is now an official kit partner.

Vodafone NI has been a sponsor and official partner of Ulster Rugby since the 2002/03 season and this new contract will see the company extend its sponsorship with the province to 10 years.