Leinster v Northampton Saints: Three key Croke Park battles

ROSS BYRNE V FIN SMITH

The Leinster out-half produced arguably his best-ever display against La Rochelle and Byrne, who looks to have finally stepped out of Johnny Sexton's shadow, will need to be at that level again. Only 21. Smith is developing fast and has all the earmarks of a future England No.10, having featured off the bench in the Six Nations.

JAMISON GIBSON-PARK V ALEX MITCHELL

This pair have met as recently as March, when Mitchell's England got the better of Gibson-Park's Ireland at Twickenham. Mitchell is fundamental to the Saints' effective attacking game. But Gibson-Park was once again instrumental to Ireland's Six Nations success and, as ever, if he is humming Leinster will be very difficult to stop.

Leinster’s Ryan Baird wins a lineout in the 2023/24 Champions Cup quarter-final v La Rochelle
(Image: INPHO/Billy Stickland)

COURTNEY LAWES V RYAN BAIRD

The evergreen Lawes is a massive influence in defence and attack - even standing at first or second receiver when the time is right. He is dying to leave the Saints for Brive with a domestic and European double secured. Baird is having some season at Test and club level and here is the ultimate test for him on the big stage.

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