Cullen ready to exorcise derby demons

LEINSTER skipper Leo Cullen sees tomorrow’s Magners League clash with Connacht as his side’s chance to get back on track after last weekend’s defeat by Munster in the same competition.

“Connacht in Galway, these derby matches are never easy,” said Cullen. “Their home form is good, they always raise their game when they play us. Having another derby this weekend, it’s good to have an opportunity to correct the wrongs. In the professional game, there’s nothing that motivates a player as much as the fear of losing his spot in the team.

“That healthy rivalry is probably the most important theme, but the performance wasn’t good enough last Sunday, and that’s the first and foremost thing we have to address.”