BRIAN O’DRISCOLL HAS admitted Leinster now only have an “outside chance” of qualifying from the Heineken Cup group stages, following their disappointing loss to Clermont Auvergne yesterday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Irish captain, who missed yesterday’s game through injury, also said Clermont deserved their victory at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, but added that Leinster were “not dead” yet.

O’Driscoll made reference to Leinster boss Joe Schmidt’s claims that the French side would prefer playing away from home, on account of the burden prompted by their 51-match unbeaten run at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

He said that he initially suspected the coach might have been engaging in “mind games,” but that Clermont’s performance had proven him correct.

“They played with a great freedom of expression and thoroughly enjoyed their victory,” he said.

“They controlled things well and took their chances.”

O’Driscoll added that the “power of their back line” was key to the French side’s victory, explaining how “their backs continually got over the gain line,” while admitting that Leinster simply weren’t good enough on the day.

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