WIN TWO TICKET STOLE INSTER’ S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP QUARTERFINAL AGAINST WASPS
Cullen full of praise for rising star
LEINSTER coach Leo Cullen is optimistic that Tadhg Furlong will be on the Lions plane for the tour to New Zealand this summer.
Furlong won his 15th international cap on the weekend before last against England, having emerged through the Autumn internationals and that famous first-ever victory over New Zealand in Chicago.
The Horeswood native has been pivotal for Leinster’s European Champions Cup and Pro 12 campaigns this season, as well as for Ireland, where his Six Nations displays at tight head saw him emerge as the leading player in his position, propelling him into Warren Gatland’s Lions thinking.
Furlong achieved the highest standards in what has been a brilliant campaign, playing out some 78 minutes against Wales. And, after a sterling showing in the tight and loose against England, he was eventually withdrawn after 76 sterling minutes of rugby where his tackling and metres gained in possession matched anything the English could offer.
‘All you can do is make the most of every opportunity that comes your way,’ said Leinster coach Cullen, speaking ahead of Leinster’s crucial European Champions Cup quarter-final at home to Wasps this Saturday.
He added: ‘ Tadhg has been playing behind the likes of Mike Ross for Leinster and Ireland but when the opportunity presented itself he grabbed it with both hands. With Mike injured, Tadhg was propelled straight into Leinster tight head and from there to Ireland.
‘Tadhg was close enough all the time but then he got his run of games. He has been a breath of fresh air but this is all the result of his attitude, his dedication and commitment to training, all of which has led to his development.
‘He is a very good player at the moment for both Leinster and Ireland. Against New Zealand he stood up to the challenge. He was a revelation, as he was against Wales and England. He is in the top environment and doing really well.
‘Once Tadhg got his chance he pushed on from there, having had his first European start against Bath. One can clearly see the talent that’s there and with the more exposure the more experience he is gaining. Once he was ready he just exploded on to the scene.
‘The more that’s talked about him the more pressure it brings but he is coping with this. Tadhg kept chipping away but when he got that run he grasped it with both hands. His progress has been such that he now looks good for the Lions. Yes, it would be great for Wexford if he became the third Lion from the county following upon Nick Popplewell and Gordon D’Arcy.
‘There is not much of a time frame left for players to impress Warren Gatland. For Leinster it’s a case of getting back ready for this Saturday’s European quarter-final with Wasps in the Aviva.
‘From the England game we know some of their players and what to expect. Wasps defeated us last season so we know what’s needed. The whole week will be spent with the international players back in, but that should not present any difficulty, as all the players are familiar with our game plan.’
Looking ahead, Leo said: ‘Everyone is doing well. Look at the league results without our internationals. We have a wonderful pool of young players, all of whom are pushing for a start. It just makes everyone stand up and fight for their place either in the team or squad. That’s been huge for Leinster this season.’
There is no doubt that everyone is doing well, said Cullen, adding ‘we will know more about our injuries over the coming days but hopefully everyone will be fit for consideration for Wasps’.
Tadhg has been a breath of fresh air but this is all the result of his attitude, his dedication and commitment – Leo Cullen