Leo Cullen on why perfection isn’t realistic after Leinster’s seven-try Champions Cup win over Harlequins

By Chris Collyer

For many in the Leinster camp, it feels like the start of the season with the return of the international players Caelan Doris, Jack Conan and Joe McCarthy, who all put in impressive individual performances over last Saturday’s 45-28 bonus point win over Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium.

Since the start of the United Rugby Championship, title holders Leinster, it’s fair to say, have not been firing on all cylinders and currently sit in an unfamiliar 6th in the table.

With the inclusion of the South African club teams: Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions, Leinster were up against it at the start of the season by facing current table toppers and the undefeated Stormers away at the DHL Stadium, a game that resulted in Leinster being nilled for the first time in years.

The reward was facing another South African powerhouse and long-time rivals, the Bulls, who handed them another defeat by only eight points.

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Pressure

Both games were played with limited internationals.

The British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this year, coached by Ireland boss Andy Farrell, boasted the highest ever host of Irish players and by default the highest ever contingent of Leinster players, totalling twelve out of the full 15 Irish Internationals.

It’s no surprise that, because of this commitment from Leo Cullen’s men and the Autumn Internationals kicking off soon after the tour, the players involved needed a well-earned rest and time to prepare.

As the URC progressed, Leinster parachuted in a couple of players into game after game before fielding what looked like a full-strength team in the opening round of the Champions Cup, a competition in which Leinster really come alive.

Considering Leinster’s history in the tournament, including past victories and recent shortcomings in the closing stages, the pressure to perform with so many internationals available is something other teams envy.

Realistic

Head coach Cullen himself knows this only too well and is quick to defend his players and put the hours in to ensure everyone in camp is happy, ready and hungry.

He said: “I know you all want the perfect thing, win by 100 points, but that’s not realistic, because the opposition turn up, don’t they?

“And they have a plan, and they’re like, let’s throw a lot of bodies into this breakdown, make it an absolute fight.

“So it’s step one of the group together, because when we were in on Monday mornings, it felt like in a long time we haven’t met each other.

“So it’s been good to come through the week with a bonus point win.”

This Friday, they face Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, last year’s Prem Rugby finalists, who will no doubt throw everything into the game, making it an unmissable heavyweight bout between the Irish and English giants.

READ MORE: Leinster 45-28 Harlequins: Leo Cullen’s side find strong finish to quell plucky Quins