BLUES IN THE GROOVE
Ulster shown no mercy as merciless Leinster tune up for next weekend’s Champions Cup date with Glasgow
LEO CULLEN was in buoyant mood as Leinster fired out a warning in yesterday’s comprehensive win over Ulster ahead of their return to Champions Cup action. Despite picking up a trio of injuries – James Tracy (elbow), Tadhg Furlong (HIA) and Garry Ringrose (ankle) – it was an evening when Jordan Larmour (left) impressed again for Leinster while Furlong also required treatment on his left arm after stretching to tackle Christian Lealiifano on 21 minutes. However, those concerns couldn’t take the gloss off a 31-point triumph that was their fifth Irish derby success of the season. It leaves them full of confidence ahead of their last two Champions Cup pool fixtures against Glasgow at home next Sunday and then away to Montpellier the following weekend. ‘There is still a lot of areas we can get better at but, for the most part, I thought the guys brought a good intensity,’ enthused Cullen following his
team’s seventh successive win.
‘We generally took our chances pretty well. We maybe left a couple out there as well, but it was great to see backs running in from distance. Players looked sharp and that was the most pleasing part.’
Impressive rookie fullback Jordan Larmour bagged two tries, as did winger Fergus McFadden in the runaway win that also featured tries from winger Barry Daly and sub out-half Johnny Sexton.
Leinster were too hot to handle in the second period with Ulster continually conceding possession. The northern province only trailed by who only trailed by 12 at the break but couldn’t cope with the hosts on the restart.
‘Jordan is going well and there will be some interesting discussions around selection,’ admitted Cullen about the RDS showdown with Glasgow.
‘He is a very, very exciting talent, a versatile player.
‘The win gives the squad a lot of confidence before we head into two massive weeks in Europe.
‘These derby fixtures take their toll off the back of two very physical [European] games against Exeter. We did three interpros and we’re delighted to get the wins.’
Cullen’s enthusiasm was in stark contrast to Les Kiss’ dour demeanour with the Ulster boss clearly concerned about his side’s inconsistency which has damaged morale ahead of Saturday’s must-win home European Champions Cup clash with La Rochelle.
‘If you give the ball away that much, you’re not going to survive,’ he accepted.
‘We talked about our error rate on both sides of the ball and it just wasn’t good enough.
‘We couldn’t sustain pressure on them and they made us pay.
‘It’s important we quickly refocus for La Rochelle.
‘I don’t think Leinster are that much better than us. It’s probably a reflection of the inconsistencies and the way oppositions can do us.
‘It’s a bit of a spiral that is hurting us. To be that inconsistent and not deliver a dependable style of rugby we can rely on isn’t what we want to see, but we have a chance next week to respond,’ insisted the Ulster coach.