Lionhearted Leo stakes claim

LEO CULLEN isn’t everybody’s idea of the ideal Ireland second-row.

He readily acknowledges that he starts a Six Nations match for the first time in the Millennium Stadium on Saturday only because Gary Longwell has been ruled out by a strained hamstring and Paul O’Connell is still returning to full fitness after a long-term injury.

Interestingly though, even Cullen’s strongest critics can’t claim that he hasn’t answered in impressive fashion whenever Ireland’s call has come his way. Irish manager Brian O’Brien is an avid fan: “Leo has never played poorly for us. He’s the kind of guy who plays to his potential. He’s always very fit, always very enthusiastic. If he’s not having a good game, he’s injured or there’s something else wrong. He’s very honest and that means a lot in a squad situation.”