Robbie Henshaw is looking forward to a hectic few weeks, starting with Leinster's first away trip of the Heineken European Champions Cup this weekend in Lyon.
The away day in France marks the start of a busy period for the province that includes three interprovincial derbies and three rounds in Europe before Little Christmas.
Centre Robbie Henshaw got back to work a little earlier than expected against Treviso last Saturday. The Buccaneers club man was making a first appearance since the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup.
Check out the @ChampionsCup highlights from yesterday's bonus-point win over Benetton. 📽👇#LEIvBEN #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/VdXJUPz5qT
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 17, 2019
Henshaw says getting out on the pitch for the upcoming busy period is the best way to get over the disappointment in Japan.
"I think it's about 8 or 10 games back to back now. It's full all-hands-on-deck so it's the best way.
"I suppose the best way to get over a disappointment is just to get back on the pitch and roll your sleeves up and get going again.
"I think that will be the mindset for a lot of the players returning. It's just getting back and enjoy your work.
"Enjoy being back to work in our province, enjoying the lads' company. It's just positive and moving forward.
Preparation
Despite the last-minute change of plans for Henshaw and being named on the bench after Joe Tomane was ruled out, the Ireland star was happy with his preparation.
"I was good come Tuesday, I was training with the boys. It was good to get 15-20 minutes under the belt, good to be back in the RDS in front of a home crowd.
The bonus-point win was a perfect way to start the European campaign said Henshaw:
"It's a good way to get the ball rolling for us, just to have the whole group back together.
"We'd been back training about a week before that, so everyone was back on the same page.
The centre, who came on for Rory O'Loughlin after 63 minutes, was pleased with the team's reward:
"To put the hard work we've put in over the last few weeks (materialise) on the pitch on Saturday was brilliant.
"I think Bennetton were always going to be a tricky side. They have improved a massive amount over the last few seasons.
"They showed that and fought to the bitter end.
"For us, it was a good physical challenge and it's just good to build momentum coming into the season."
Lyon
The trip to the Stade de Gerland should see Henshaw get more pitch time this weekend, he admits it's an exciting prospect.
"Away days in France are always a massive challenge, so I think everyone's we're going to be on our work this week.
"We had a glance at Lyon over that last few weeks. We've seen they are a tricky side and they are top of the French league at the moment.
"They have great quality individuals and play a good brand of running rugby."
After the perfect opening chapter in round one of the pool games, Henshaw knows this weekend will be very different:
"Playing away on French soil is always tough because the crowd is always on top of you, it just feels different."
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