A GOLD BARR
Cullen believes province’s investment in experienced All Black Jordie’s seven-month deal will pay off for Leinster in long term
JORDIE BARRETT will sprinkle “gold dust” on the Leinster set-up when he joins next season, claims Leo Cullen.
But the head coach is unhappy that the Blues were unable to capitalise on the reams of good news out of the province last week – the victory over La Rochelle, Dan Sheehan’s new contract and the signing of Barrett and Tyler Bleyendaal from the Hurricanes.
Instead, a second string side toppled to a heavy loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Leinster’s hold on the top spot in the URC is looking more tenuous on the back of that 44-12 defeat with Glasgow breathing down their necks and Munster and the Bulls making ground.
“I’m not sure how it came across on TV but there was an unbelievable Leinster following in the crowd,” said Cullen.
“So, apologies to that cohort of 300 people because we thought we would give them more to cheer about over the course of 80 minutes.
“Obviously there was a lot of good news last week and unfortunately some of that becomes a distraction.
“It should be a positive distraction but unfortunately we didn’t capitalise on some of that momentum that’s out there.
“It’s tight around the table, which is maybe not a bad thing. It focuses the mind for us all rather than suddenly getting caught out when the play-offs come around.
“Glasgow will have to travel to the Bulls and here so it’s about trying to keep control of your own destiny.
“We still have it, just about. We would have liked to have a few more points on the board so you have a life then.”
Leinster, who are in Cape Town next to face the Stormers on Saturday, are still in a strong position to complete a URC and Champions Cup double for the first time since 2018.
Garry Ringrose (inset, top) Hugo Keenan and Jimmy O’brien (inset, bottom) could come into the selection picture for next week’s European semi-final at Croke Park.
In the longer term, the province also hopes that the signing of Barrett on a sevenmonth contract from December will have a lasting effect.
Cullen spoke yesterday of the impact made by Brad Thorn over three months in 2012, when the All Black became the first player to win a World Cup, a Super Rugby title and the Heineken Cup.
“I think that’s an important piece if you can get the right person in, they can add not just in the short-term but in the longer term,” Cullen said.
“All the academy players are based in the building with us, they’re changing in the same dressing room, it’s that daily interaction, the habits – they see the guys who have gone on to play with Ireland.
“But just to get a slightly different perspective, it’s quite a nice thing to bring to the group (a player like Barrett) – just that little bit of gold dust that gets added to everybody, particularly the young players.
“He’s a player that hopefully supporters are excited to see, a top quality All Black who has 50 or 60 caps so hopefully there is a bit of excitement.
“I’ve watched him with the Hurricanes this week, and they are still unbeaten this year.
“Both sides of the ball, he’s a very strong defender and very skilful attacker, he’s got versatility as well.
“That’s something we’re drawn to as well because we’ve got players that are moving between the national set-up and our own, he can slot in in different places and hopefully do a good job for the team.”