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'We've analysed them a lot. They are everything that we thought they were going to be'

Leinster captain Johnny Sexon. (Getty Images)

Head coach Leo Cullen says that Leinster are not concentrated on the record that will await them if they beat Saracens in Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup final.

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A Leinster victory at St James’ Park in Newcastle would see them crowned European champions for a record fifth time, surpassing the current best they jointly hold with Toulouse.

Leinster were the last team to defeat Saracens on a European stage, knocking them out in the quarter-finals 13 months ago.

But the English heavyweights have marched through this season’s tournament unbeaten, and Cullen is well aware how big a task his players face.

“We are playing against a team that has been at this stage over the course of the last few seasons and has so much threat from numbers one to 23,” he said.

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“It is trying to understand what we are actually going to face, what it is going to be like for us, what type of plan do we need to try and unlock what their strengths are.

“It’s trying to pull it all together.

“It is going to be an amazing occasion with two very, very good teams, and it’s a great stadium here as well, so it is all set.

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“It (record) is there in the background, but it is not something we have focused too much attention on.”

Cullen has named an unchanged team from the semi-final victory over Toulouse last month.

Hooker Sean Cronin makes a first appearance since that game after recovering from a calf muscle injury, while two switches on the bench see opportunities for forwards Jack McGrath and Rhys Ruddock.

Leinster captain Johnny Sexton said: “We’ve had a proper good look at them (Saracens) and analysed them a lot. They are everything that we thought they were going to be.

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“It is going to be very tough for us, but we are up for the challenge.

“We will take confidence from coming through a tough pool, some of the challenges we’ve faced along the way – Ulster, Toulouse – and we will take confidence from winning the trophy last year.

“But, really, it comes down to on the day and who plays the best on the day.

“We need to just go out there and play the best we can, and see where that gets us.”

 

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Hellhound 47 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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