Leo Cullen ready for tough Ulster test on URC return
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is hoping his side can right the wrongs of last year and pick up a win against Ulster at Ravenhill in the Blues’ return to URC action on Friday.
Having lost both regular-season games against Richie Murphy’s men last season, Cullen is expecting a tough battle.
“It’s a tough place to go and get a result, they’re unbeaten there this season and if you think back to the end of last season, we were up there and lost the game.”
Cullen (above) remains wary of the northern province’s knowledge of his side.
“They’ve guys that know us well in their ranks and it’s a huge game for them so we have to make sure that we understand, that we respect that, and we’re able to give a proper version of ourselves. I think you will see two teams that are fully committed going at it, which is what you see in this fixture all the time.
“Richie has gone well (since become a head coach). He will have been biding his time for this opportunity. He has done some amazing things with the U-20s particularly with our younger lads and that poses some challenges as well.”
Leinster have been boosted with the news that many of their experienced players are fit and available for selection.
Jack Conan has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in the win over Munster at Croke Park, while Jordan Larmour is also available for selection once more.
Jimmy O’Brien has also returned to full training since being withdrawn from September’s win over Benetton. Hookers Lee Barron and John McKee are available again after overcoming injuries, while Ryan Baird also trained yesterday after being released from Ireland’s camp to undergo HIA protocols.
Their return, in addition to Jordie Barrett’s arrival this week, are timely with many still on international duty for Ireland’s clash with Australia.
Cullen has used 47 players so far this season and believes that with their Champions Cup opener next week and the return to URC action, now is when their extra depth will pay dividends. The short time-frame between the end of the international window and the European provincial stages is also something of an additional headache.
“It’s tight this year versus what it would have been in previous years. Listen, the 150th anniversary [of the IRFU] only happens once. We understand the importance of the Tests.
“We’d have slightly more players in camp than Ulster but we just get on with it.
“It will be a great opportunity for the guys that play this week, it’s going to be a good challenge.”