The New Zealander has masterminded consecutive Heineken Cup titles for the Dublin-based province but he watched on helplessly as his side were destroyed in the RaboDirect PRO12 opener at Parc y Scarlets.
Scott Williams and Liam Williams got the scoreboard ticking in the first-half and the rout continued following the break with both George North and Andy Fenby grabbing tries either side of a Kieran Murphy effort.
It was the first of four clashes between the two sides this season, having also been drawn in the same Heineken Cup pool.
Leinster were severely depleted for the clash but Schmidt admits returning to Parc y Scarlets will be a daunting prospect.
“I knew we were vulnerable but you hope that you stay close enough to the opposition that they can’t really open up and become a bit tentative.
“But once that happened and it opened up it was one way traffic. We were bullied around the park. It’s a confrontational game and if you’re not competitive enough there’s only one way it will go.
“It was a testament to the quality and the depth they have got. It was not just the quality of the nine Welsh internationals who made the difference, it was the other players.
“They were really dangerous last season. I watched their European games with Northampton and Munster and they were the authors of their own demise because they certainly created opportunities for themselves.
“If they finish their opportunities, they’re formidable. It’s not a great thought, looking forward to coming back here in seven weeks times. It’s a reality check for us.”
