BIG CAT WEEK
Leo the lion hugely excited ahead of entering the Tiger enclosure again
BY
WHEN nerves hit Leo Cullen today he will know it’s all part of the Welford Road experience.
The story is well told how Cullen and Shane Jennings left Leinster for Leicester Tigers in 2005 and returned home two years later with a big game mentality.
Within five years they were three-time European champions with their province.
“Leicester are definitely in the traditional powerhouse mould,” said Cullen.
“When I left Leinster to go to Leicester, I wanted to be part of that type of team. Leinster weren’t that type of team back then.
“It’s always trying to pass on some of that knowledge in many ways. It will be strange being down in the away dressing room, but I know there’s a fair bit of change.”
Fifteen years on, Cullen’s face lights up at the mention of the Premiership leaders and their celebrated ground where Leinster must succeed where all-comers have failed so far this season.
“It’s the atmosphere, the crowd, the team plays, the way they respond,” said Cullen ahead of the Champions
Cup quarter-final collision.
“From my time there, I’ve always got this nervous feeling in my stomach. I remember what the match day is like there.
“I remember sitting beside Shane Jennings and the crowd were queuing up before the gates opened two hours before the game to get their spot on the terrace, which used to always amuse us.
“It means a huge amount for our guys to play for Leinster because it’s the friends, family, the support piece that really matters.
“Leinster played there the season after I left, we played them in that European Cup final in 2009 as well so we’ve had some clashes since, but it’s been a while.
“It’s an amazing part of my life, those couple of years. I had only positive experiences. “I felt unbelievably privileged to have represented that team. Very, very special memories.
“I remember Pat Howard asked me to captain the team for the first time, it just elevated it to another level again. I was lucky to do that for whatever it was, 15 times potentially.
“There’s that sense of responsibility that goes with playing for these two teams.”
The 44-year-old has recalled James Ryan (inset) to a line-up with 13 Ireland internationals and named uncapped lock Joe Mccarthy on the bench.
Cullen spoke of Leinster needing the right mentality against a team that plays with
the “strong fundamentals” that helped the Tigers become two-time European champs in 2000-01, even mentioning the midweek comebacks made by Liverpool and Real Madrid in midweek to reach the Champions Cup final.
Losing the Heineken Cup final with Leicester against Wasps in 2007 also provides a lesson Leinster can draw from.
“Raphael Ibanez scored that try at the front of the lineout, which we still talk about,” Cullen winced.
“That’s the thing, it’s moments in the games. These are the games that players will remember for the rest of their days.
“They remember the wins, but often they remember the ones that they lose in terms of when they get knocked out of tournaments.
“They’re the ones that stick in the mind. For our guys, it’s a great test against a great club. Two good teams and clubs going at it.”