Cullen can restore Leinster’s identity

HOW gratifying to see Leo Cullen installed as Leinster coach in the wake of Matt O’Connor’s difficult, and frequently infuriating, reign. It seems the penny may have finally dropped that these positions can not be dispensedsed willy willynilly towards any Southern Hemisphere coach with a decent CV. A willingness s to embrace the presiding provincial culturelture is essential, something Joe Schmidt grasped when he took over Leinster but a concept O’Connor, Mark Anscombe and Rob Penney treated lightly. With O’Connor’s fellow ill-suited Australian invitees Marco Caputo and Kane Douglas swiftly following him back Down Under, the opportun opportunity is there for Cul Cullen (left) to re-esta re-establish the provin province’s identity. Given the changing mo money-driven l landscape of E European ru rugby, it may no not be enough to garner trop trophies but it shou should at least give supporters a coll collective appro approach they can believ believe in again. TOMMY BOWE’S recent poor form has been the source of much consternation but there is no need for panic. Ireland’s pool fixtures are ideally choreographed for Joe Schmidt’s side to arrive at their October 11 showdown with France with all their selection issues resolved. The best approach seems to be to select the frontline side for the opener against Canada, retain those who still need to find fitness and form in the next game against Romania, and then iron out any lingering issues against Italy. That gives Bowe time to get up to battle speed and his record on Ireland’s right wing merits it. Luke Fitzgerald and Keith Earls are excellent backup options, but Bowe is a big-game performer.