Rob Kearney believes revenge will be a key motivational factor for Leinster in their bid to end Munster’s Heineken Cup ambitions.
 
Leinster defeated Harlequins at the weekend to set up an all-Ireland semi-final date with Munster on May 2.
 
The men from southern Ireland defeated Kearney’s Leinster 22-5 in a bruising Magners League encounter on April 4.
 
"Given what happened last week when we were well beaten by Munster, it's important that we make a real statement," the Irish full-back said.
 
The current Heineken Cup champions also defeated the Magners League champions earlier in the season, but Kearney is keen for Leinster to make it third time lucky and beat Munster at Croke Park.
 
"There's a lot of hurt from the two games we played against them this season, but we have to approach it like any other match."
 
Leinster needed to dig deep and defend for long periods against a determined Harlequins team at The Stoop, and Kearney believes that type of performance will stand to his team.
 
"It was exhausting and everyone was very fatigued in the changing room afterwards, but those are the type of games players enjoy winning most," he said.
 
"We really had to work hard for it. We're still only in the semi-finals, but as a team we took a really big step against Harlequins.
 
"We know that we will have to bring our performances up another level for Munster. Whenever you play them you always get a very tough game. It will be a hell of a challenge against the best team in Europe."