Jordie Barrett gives credit to Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose

Barrett not only helped himself to one of Leinster’s five tries on the day, but he also provided a stunning scoring pass for fly-half Sam Prendergast to claim one of his two second half scores.

Earlier, Jordan Larmour’s first half touchdown had levelled up a try from Bristol’s Max Lahiff, whilst man-of-the-match Josh van der Flier wrapped things up for the visitors, before a late consolation for the Bears from winger Gabriel Ibitoye.

It was, however, the introduction of Barrett - fresh from his recent exertions in the Autumn Nations Series with New Zealand - that had tongues wagging at the final whistle.

He headed up a lethal second half Leinster ‘Bomb Squad’ that helped turn the game’s tide in the favour of the four-time European winners.

Barrett took to the field alongside Irish internationals Gus McCarthy, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Caelan Doris, Luke McGrath and Ross Byrne, as well as South African World Cup winner, RG Snyman, in a real statement of intent from Leo Cullen’s men.

“It was quite nice to get a feel for the match,” said the 27-year-old. “I’ve only been here about ten days, but Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose have been awesome this week, getting me up to speed and helping make my job a lot easier.” 

Sunday’s success was a stark reminder to the rest of European rugby’s elite that Leinster - beaten in the last three Champions Cup finals - certainly meant business this time round.

“I’m very aware of Leinster’s history in this competition,” added Barrett. “It’s one of the things that stoked my appetite to come and play some rugby here in the Northern Hemisphere.

“I wanted to test myself in these European Cup games and tonight was a great test. I thought Bristol were outstanding for most of the game and it’s refreshing to see a team play with no fear like they do. They are going well in the Premiership and they’ve got a great coach in Pat Lam, so this was a big win for us.” 

Leinster’s victory was indeed a big win and now they hope to maintain their European push this Saturday when they play host to Clermont-Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium.

Barrett is without doubt sure to figure in that match, as is van der Flier, who once again delivered a majestic, all-action display against the Bears.

Echoing the comments of coach Cullen, the abrasive flanker hailed the impact of the Leinster bench in what was a devastating six-minute spell that yielded three tries.

“It’s brilliant, I thought they did really, really well,” said van der Flier. “You look at the quality of the lads coming on, there’s quality on the pitch but to bring on fresh legs like that. They’re some pretty special players, all capable of having big moments.

“It gave us a huge amount of energy and we felt good out there. It rejuvenates you when you’ve got fresh lads talking. I thought it was brilliant.” 

It was clear van der Flier revelled on his club return, building on what was a largely successful Autumn period on the Test stage.

“It was great, nice to be back home, back in Leinster and see everyone and catch up with all the lads,” he added. “It was obviously a challenge, all the international lads have the Irish calls still in your heads and you’re trying to transition as well, but it was an enjoyable week.

“Personally, I was excited to get back in and I was very excited to get to play today. I think all of us coming back were in the same boat, so it was kind of nice in a way that we were able to just get straight back into a big week.”