Jamie Heaslip says the Champions Cup is only getting harder to win as Leinster approach their quarter-final against Bath this weekend.
The three-time champions welcome the English outfit to the Aviva on Saturday afternoon and Ireland's Six Nations-winning number 8 admits European competition is closing in on the international game.
"It's getting closer and closer to international footie," he told Off The Ball's Dave McIntyre. "Just look at the other games, there's some quality games in there.
"You look across it and it's like there's quality everywhere. I think the competition is growing."
Best of luck to @leinsterrugby in their @ChampionsCup quarter final clash with @bathrugby on Saturday @AVIVAStadium pic.twitter.com/y4Du2MBll8
— PRO12RUGBY (@PRO12rugby) April 2, 2015
Heaslip will undoubtedly come back into the fold and reclaim his spot among the forwards, as a host of squad players make way for their international club-mates.
The UCD man understands the frustrations of the men that will be replaced, but says it's a test of their mettle that must be met.
"It's perfectly natural for guys to be aggrieved. We're in a dynamic that's full of alpha-males," the 31-year-old said.
Jamie Healsip and Cian Healy celebrate with Ireland fans (Inpho)
"It's a real test of your character. You got some young guys who might miss out this weekend. It's a real testing time for some guys mentally. How they take that is a real reflection on their character going forward.
"Are they going to take it and go, 'okay, I'm going to do what will make the team better', or am I going to go now and sulk for the week.
"I've been on both sides of that. You can be pissed off, you can be annoyed, but you gotta put that into 'right how am I gonna get the team best prepared'.
"Because at the end of the day they're the lads going out representing all of us."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
