Relief for Cullen but Leinster leave room for final improvement

Leinster were clinging on by their fingernails as the clock turned into the red.

Northampton Saints head coach Sam Vesty after the game with Leinster head coach Leo Cullen Pic ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Leo Cullen spoke for most of the 82,300 Croke Park when admitting his ‘relief’ at having fended off a late Northampton Saints comeback to make another Investec Champions Cup decider.

The Leinster head coach must have felt his men were home and hosed when the province held a 20-3 lead with an hour of this semi-final played only to find themselves clinging on by their fingernails as the clock turned into the red.