McQuilken keen to heed French lessons

LEINSTER learned some harsh lessons on their last European Cup trip to France and Kurt McQuilken is hoping they can use that experience to avoid a repeat on Saturday in Brive.

It was last December when Michael Cheika’s side visited Castre’s Stade Pierre Antoine and suffered a three-point defeat in round four that took the shine off what had been an impressive start to their campaign.

“Early on against Castres last year we scored a try, kicked a penalty and then took the foot off the pedal, probably a bit mentally,” said the defence coach.