Cullen expects it tough in Montpellier

LEINSTER know they have a target on their backs. Not since Leicester Tigers in 2001 and 2002 have the reigning champions lifted the Heineken Cup.

With leader and long-time inspiration for their success Brian O’Driscoll out for six months at least, that task becomes a little harder, but for captain Leo Cullen they must focus on the task ahead — and in Montpellier away that is some challenge.

“It will be a really tough opener against Montpellier,” he said. “They had an unbelievable home record on the Top 14 last season and they were 10-15 minutes of beating Toulouse in the French final and then only lost by less than a score.