Leinster head coach Leo Cullen believes his team's chances against the Vodacom Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Grand Final will hinge on matching the South Africans' intense power game and controlling the tight set-piece exchanges.
Speaking ahead of the title-decider at Croke Park, Cullen expressed immense pride in Leinster's resilient path to the final after a very slow start to the season where they lost three of their opening four matches.
“We know it’s going to be a serious challenge, because we’re up against a serious team. We want to be really respectful to the opposition, but we also need to be very focused on ourselves and what makes Leinster great.”
“I think the URC is an amazing competition, and it’s an unbelievable privilege to be here at this stage of the competition, at a final.”
“If you’d asked me when we were sitting here last, after round four, when we lost three of our first four games, would we be in the situation we’re in, playing in a final in Croke Park? I think everyone would have thought we were crazy at that point.
“It’s been an amazing squad effort, I think, to get to this stage.”
Cullen anticipates a physical battle, highlighting the Bulls' set-piece strength, dangerous backline, and proven ability to win away from home.
Leinster faces a challenge with Andrew Porter ruled out, with Jerry Cahir to start and 20-year-old Alex Usanov on the bench.
“Andrew has missed a big chunk of the season already so guys have plenty of exposure throughout the season. We would always have huge faith in the group that we have. It’s one guy down, next guy up. I don’t try to get too bogged down by that.”
“To see Cahir’s progression through the season has been amazing; it’s a great story of persistence, perseverance, isn’t it? He was back playing club rugby, battling it out in the All-Ireland League with a few different teams.”
“To see him progress with us through the course of the season, he’s had some huge moments for us, some huge games.”
“I don’t think anyone thinks they’re going to let the team down on Friday, because they’re bloody great characters.”
