Caelan Doris flags factor he concedes is 'very different to back home'

Caelan Doris has urged his Leinster team-mates to rise to the occasion in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final in Bilbao by imposing themselves on Bordeaux.

Leo Cullen’s side return to the setting for the most recent of their four European triumphs in 2018 when they edged Racing 92 15-12.

They have since lost in the final three times – on each occasion to French opposition – but Doris is determined for them to take the game to current champions Bordeaux.

“A lot of it is down to trusting. Trusting the group and trusting the ability to trust each other,” the Leinster captain said.

“In the big games you just want to attack it and narrow it down, not think of it as one big massive occasion.

“Moment by moment there are going to be a lot of fights and a big part of it is enjoying it because these are the days that you strive for.

“At the start of the season you’re looking to be on this stage and there are all the sacrifices that the squad, the staff and families have made over the years to get us to a point like this. So we need to attack it properly and enjoy it as well.”

Bilbao is experiencing a heatwave with Saturday’s temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees for a showdown with one of the game’s most dangerous sides with the ball in hand.

“It’s very different to back home but we have all played in conditions like this with humidity and temperatures right up there,” Doris said.

“A few of us were talking about how the Romania game in the 2023 World Cup was something similar and maybe a bit higher. You just get on with it.

“The medical and nutrition team will manage things. You break it down into smaller pieces in your mind rather than one big thing you’re attacking. Moment by moment.”

Leinster have picked the same starting XV that overcame Toulon 29-25 in the semi-finals but have strengthened their bench with the return of Paddy McCarthy and Tadhg Furlong from injury.