HE’S CULLEN IT AS HE SEES IT..
DEREK FOLEY
LEO CULLEN has hit back at South African media criticism of Leinster’s decision to leave 14 Ireland starting Six Nations internationals at home in Dublin.
And, indeed, there is a feeling the travelling group might have headed off a hanging posse by coming so close to beating Sharks last weekend.
The game actually finished with Leinster, five points adrift and with the clock in the red, held up over the line.
“I understand if you are sitting in their broadcasters’ and media’s shoes, there might be some disappointment,” said Cullen of those critical of his squad choice for the double-header in South Africa.
“But this year, the season has such an unusual dynamic with a change of format and extra play-off games that we debated (strategy) for a long time.
“There is a group of our players who were away with the Six
Nations and there were guys who remained behind with us, carried the load, and we wanted to reward them.”
There is a possibility of six knock-out games ahead for Leinster over the coming two months, the most there has ever been for them.
“So for some players there are a potential three more European play-off games after the two in the Last 16.
“While there are three new play-off URC games that were not there last season and that’s ahead of the Ireland tour to New Zealand.
“We would have the realisation that the South Africa media have a bit of, what’s the word, maybe ‘unhappiness’, with the selection but this group are happy they can give a good account of themselves here.
“I understand the debate but we have to do what’s best for the players individually and for the group.”
Cullen’s side travel to take on Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday and the likelihood is the South African media will get to see senior international Ronan Kelleher (below) return to the fold.
“Ronan’s knock is pretty minor and we were probably a bit more worried about James Tracy at the time last week.
“We thought Ronan was going to start but when it came to Friday we decided not to take a chance and with James out, that meant starting John Mckee.
“I’d rang Academy hooker Leo Barron on the Wednesday and asked him could he get on flights and he did; you have to take three flights to get here.
“So we put him on the bench and he ending up taking a yellow card for what was basically a team penalty so it was an interesting debut for both John and Leo on the same day.”