Cullen anticipating stern French test

They may be newcomers to the tournament, but Leo Cullen expects Montpellier to prove worthy adversaries when the two sides meet at the Stade de la Mosson on Saturday (2.30pm).

With Leinster having won the Heineken Cup in two of the last three seasons, Montpellier couldn’t have drawn a more intimidating fixture to announce their arrival but crucially the French side have home advantage.

Last season Montpellier claimed eleven wins and one draw out of twelve home games in the Top 14 season before going on to meet Toulouse in the final where they lost out 15-10.

Cullen understands the importance of winning your home games in the pool stages and knows that Leinster are going to have to dig deep to get a result this weekend.

“They are going to be a very tough proposition and everyone in our Pool has strong home records,” he said.

“It is almost a given that in the Heineken Cup you have to win your home games so you ask yourself where you are going to pick up an away win.

“It is tough to see where that can come from though we will have an opportunity straight away against Montpellier.”

While his initial focus will be on Saturday’s game, Cullen admits memories of 2009 and 2011 act as constant reminders of what this Leinster side are capable of.

“Perhaps the first time it was more a case of relief, as I had been part of Leinster teams who had for a number of years disappointed on the big day.

“The second time, in Cardiff with the Millennium Stadium roof closed, the atmosphere in the stadium on the day was phenomenal.

“What also stays with you is the nature of the game, how it looked as if it was going to be pretty embarrassing for us going into half time at 22-6 behind with Northampton looking to run away with the game.

“To turn it around in the manner we did I think was unbelievable and the party atmosphere in the stadium afterwards was unforgettable.”