Cullen’s return boosts Leinster
Cullen is joined by Cian Healy, Shane Horgan and Eoin Reddan in a 28-man squad named yesterday by Michael Cheika, in the final game before the autumn series of internationals gives the clubs a Magners League mid-term break.
Though Leinster were knocked off their perch at the top of the League by Ulster’s shock victory at the weekend, there is no hint of panic in the camp. Indeed forwards coach Jono Gibbes described the mood as “pretty focused.”
He admitted: “There were a couple of key areas where we failed against Ulster, a couple of non-negotiable areas (from my point of view); they have been the focus of attention for the last few days and we’re pretty aware of the team we’re about to play and the areas we’re likely to be challenged in. We went back to basics in training but we’re very positive about it.”
Though Gibbes praised Ulster, he expressed dissatisfaction with the way Leinster came off second best in the physical battle up front.
“There was a lack of urgency both on and off the ball at times, things we have been pretty good at all this year. For one reason or another, we weren’t up to scratch in Belfast.
“At this stage of the season it’s Ulster who (have) put their hands up. We still have a way to go to be happy with what we’re doing and Munster have had a few challenges with injuries and getting their game going, so Ulster (of the Irish teams) are probably out in front at the moment. They’re settled, they have got some good results, so they’re pretty comfortable heading into the November break.”
But Gibbes will be happy to see key figures like Cullen, Reddan and Horgan back in the mix, although he took time to comment on the potential of Dominic Ryan, who is in with a chance of winning a place on the bench for this tie.
The 19-year-old who stands at 1.91m (6’ 3”) weighs in at 104 kg (16 st 5 lbs), is being introduced in a measured way, having played for Leinster A for the first time in the recent defeat by Munster in Clonmel. The former Gonzaga schools player has three caps for Ireland at schools level and an impressive ten for Ireland U20s.
Gibbes is convinced the back rower is one for the future. “Dominic is athletically very gifted; he has the skill and he is in a good place for his age. I’ve been pleased with the way he puts his head down at training and fronts up; he doesn’t take a backward step to anyone. He is pretty full-on in contact and he conducts himself very well in all aspects of training.
“This is a good opportunity to integrate a young guy (like him) to the environment and let him experience the preparation for this game. With Shane’s (Jennings) suspension, we need to have some kind of plan for our loose forwards and I think he is relishing his time in the squad. He is a pretty exciting talent.
With his ability, he has an opportunity to convert that potential into something (special). I’d be looking (confidently) at him pushing on from here,” he said.
Responding to speculation that New Zealander Ian Foster is one of the candidates to succeed the departing Leinster coach, Michael Cheika, at the end of the season, Gibbes described the Kiwi as a very organised and methodical character.
LEINSTER Forwards: L. Cullen (captain), J. Fogarty, C. Healy, J. Heaslip, N. Hines, B. Jackman, S. Keogh, R. McCormack, K. McLaughlin, S. O’Brien, M. O’Kelly, M. Ross, D. Ryan, D. Toner, CJ van der Linde.
Backs: S. Berne, G. D’Arcy, G. Dempsey, L. Fitzgerald, S. Horgan, C. Keane, R. Kearney, S. Keogh, F. McFadden, I. Nacewa, B. O’Driscoll, E. Reddan, J. Sexton.
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