O’Connor cuts loose in defence of Blues’ form

Matt O’Connor has launched a vigorous defence of his stewardship at Leinster as the province prepare for Sunday’s round three Rugby Champions Cup assignment away to Harlequins at The Stoop.

The Australian guided Leinster to a successful defence of their Pro12 title in his first year as head coach last term and he takes them to London at the weekend with two wins from their opening pair of European fixtures.

Yet, criticisms of the team’s performances have been consistent this last season-and-a-half, with a lack of penetrative attacking rugby with ball in hand and their last eight Heineken Cup exit to Toulon chief among the prosecuting exhibits.