Leinster coach Joe Schmidt paid special tribute to team captain Leo Cullen after he guided them into the Heineken Cup semi-finals for the third successive season by leading from the front in the 17-10 victory over Leicester Tigers.
"Leo was massive and our line-out defence was certainly a swinging point and what our win was based upon," said Schmidt.
"There were a number of turning points in the match, it really did swing back and forth, and we missed a few chances in the first half when we made some fantastic line breaks.
"But we always had scoreboard pressure on them, to a degree they were playing catch-up rugby, and our fantastic defence kept them out when they pressed.
"As well as Leo, hooker Richardt Strauss has been a real dynamo for us this season and Isa Nacewa was exceptional - the try he scored and the ground he covered - he is a different class and as tough as boots.
"I had the faith we would always stay disciplined and keep our shape and there were so many tired players out there from both sides.
"That was as physical as I have seen but that is Heineken Cup rugby and while it was not a Test match as such, it was for us."