Blues into Euro semis
Cullen’s pride in system success
LEO CULLEN insisted last night the “Leinster way” prevailed as his Blues dumped back-to-back Champions Cup winners Saracens out of the tournament.
The Blues’ victory at the Aviva Stadium keeps alive the prospect of an all-ireland final with Munster in Bilbao next month.
“It’s important because there is a Leinster way,” said Cullen, referring to the province’s reliance on bringing local players through rather than spending millions to be successful.
“They’re shining on this stage which is fantastic and dealing with a hell of
a lot - with international and European experiences over the last few seasons as well.
“It’s just another step. Saracens is a team we have all looked up to so you’re saying, ‘This is a team we have always wanted to play against’.
“It was fantastic in terms of young players playing in front of a big support. That’s important because hopefully we want to keep hold of this young talent as well.”
Man of the match Dan Leavy’s 45th minute try felt like the turning point when he linked brilliantly with James Ryan to cut through the Sarries’ defensive wall.
“It was kind of spur of the moment,” smiled Leavy, who picked up the man of the match award (inset). “I just popped it up to
James Ryan, called for it back and the defender committed so it was a free run in.
“And then I did a somersault and nearly knocked Rory O’loughlin out with my foot! I need to work on that.”
Leinster and Munster both went out at the semi-final stage last year, while the Blues also lost their
PRO12 semi-final at home at the RDS to the Scarlets.
“The group is very motivated,” said Cullen (above), who revealed that scrum-half Luke Mcgrath (ankle) was the main injury concern. “We were well and truly second best against Scarlets last year when they’d 14 players for a large chunk of the game so we know it’s going to be a challenge. They’re a team that have caused us a hell of a lot of trouble.
“We played them twice during the Six Nations and they were very close games. We know both teams were missing a lot of players but they’re a team which can cause you a hell of a lot of trouble so we’ve full respect for them.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, skipper Isa Nacewa said: “They’re a huge challenge - one of the best attacking teams out there.”