Playing on edge fine by Cullen

LEO CULLEN has no issue with Johnny Sexton staying Leinster skipper, insisting that the out-half’s “edge” is what makes him so special.

The Lion (above) was criticised by former Ireland captains Brian O’driscoll and Keith Wood in the aftermath of the Blues’ defeat to Munster last weekend.

Sexton got involved in a few clashes with opposition players and a heated conversation with referee Frank Murphy.

But Cullen, another former Leinster skipper, believes the defeat was down to far more than Sexton being sidetracked and defended his decision to hand the armband to the 33-year-old.

“Johnny had an incredible year last year, that drive, the hunger he has to be successful, that’s what sets him apart from everybody else,” Cullen said.

“At times, that’s when you’re right on the edge, sometimes you might tip over the edge, that’s the fine line he operates on. That’s what makes him the player that he is and lots of the great players have been like that.”

Rob Kearney, who will skipper Leinster against Ulster today in Sexton’s absence, also backed his team-mate and said much of the blame lay with other players as Leinster lost their cool at Thomond Park.

“I think the other guys around him have to take responsibility for it too,” said Kearney. “If our discipline is really good and we manage the start of the game and don’t get caught in some of those positions, Johnny probably doesn’t have to talk to the ref. He was probably a little frustrated.”