A Mixed Bag of Results for Leinster
Leo Cullen was smiling despite the chaotic nature of the match at the Aviva Stadium, where his team managed to score eighty points in eighty minutes. It was a feast of rugby, and the victory secured their place against Sale Sharks next Saturday afternoon. In sports, results often define the narrative, and a win is a win.
However, the glass was only half full for Cullen. While it was impressive that his team delivered seven tries, showcasing attacking rugby, intent, and entertainment, there were underlying issues. The team conceded five tries, faced a nine-minute 14-0 deficit, gave up three intercept tries, and fell behind early in the second half. This highlighted their profligacy on the field.
Matches are usually reviewed by clubs early in the week, but the game between Leinster and Edinburgh had enough content to be dissected for days. Given the short turnaround from Sunday to Saturday, it might be best for Leinster to move on quickly. The game was so unusual, a one-off that may never be repeated, and perhaps it’s best to put it behind them.
“We scored some great team tries out there today, so that’s pleasing,” said Cullen after the match. “But the biggest thing is probably respecting possession. Today, we got punished in terms of the scoreboard, but we didn’t get punished in terms of the end result. I haven’t quite seen a game like that before.”
The focus now shifts to Sale Sharks, who won 26-17 against Harlequins to secure their quarter-final spot. “They have top-end performers,” Cullen continued. “Their guys have been around the block, so they’ll pose a proper physical test for us in terms of what they lean into, in terms of their identity, which is hard-working north of England. So we need to make sure our guys pretty quickly get to understand what that picture is going to look like, assess and see what really is, and make a new plan. We can’t feed them life in the game. We need to ensure we pile on as much pressure as we can onto them at every opportunity; that’s the challenge for a short turnaround.”
There were 21,491 fans at the Aviva Stadium, reinforcing the idea that Leinster would prefer to play earlier rounds of the knockout stages at the RDS, which is undergoing refurbishment. “This is a tricky time of year with the Easter holidays, but it would be amazing to have similar support, even with the short turnaround. We ask a lot of fans, but it is hugely appreciated by the team, for sure. We need to keep building this connection and make the home advantage in every way we can.”
“So ultimately, for us as a team and management, we need to make sure we do everything we possibly can to prepare the team so supporters want to come and watch us play and cheer for the team.”
