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'We could get ourselves in trouble if we deliver that again' - Cullen critical of Leinster's big win

Caelan Doris of Leinster is congratulated by Jordan Larmour after scoring a try. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had mixed feelings about his side’s seven-try performance despite a comprehensive 50-21 bonus point victory over Northampton in the Heineken Cup.

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Following last week’s emphatic 43-16 triumph in Franklin’s Gardens, the unbeaten Irish province did the double over Saints with a Garry Ringrose hat-trick and further tries from Tadhg Furlong, Dave Kearney, James Lowe and Caelan Doris.

He happy to make history as the first team to qualify for after just four rounds but there were some aspects of the performance that left Cullen a little frustrated.

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He said: “It was a little bit mixed I thought today. People are talking in quite positive terms about the performance, but there’s bits in there where we could get ourselves in trouble if we deliver that again.

“On the flip side, it’s a win. It keeps us trucking along. We turn our attention to other matters, back to the Guinness PRO14. We had some chances today where we didn’t quite capitalise. Defensively, it’s never great conceding three tries. There’s bits to do there.”

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In the absence of knee injury victim Jonathan Sexton, Ross Byrne started at fly-half and contributed 11 points before a dead leg forced him off, allowing Skerries youngster Ciaran Frawley to come on for his European debut.

Cullen was impressed with the way Frawley handled himself in front of a 42,041-strong crowd, adding: “Ross, just a dead leg for him. It was great experience for Ciaran Frawley to come on in that game. It’s a massive step up. He’s 22 years of age. Another positive step in his progression.

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“You’re playing here in the Aviva. We talked about it here yesterday. To get over 40,000 to a regular-season game is brilliant. Hopefully we have a couple of big attendances during this Christmas period as well with the interprovincial games.”

For Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd the biggest disappointment was their failure to come away with a bonus point of any description.

Although Dan Biggar, Ollie Sleightholme and Ahsee Tuala all crossed the whitewash, a fourth try never happened.

Boyd believes a strong finish to Pool One could keep the Gallagher Premiership outfit in the frame for a European knockout spot. They lie second on nine points, a full 10 behind Leinster.

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“Certainly the plan coming here today was to secure a bonus point,” admitted Boyd.

“We didn’t think that winning or losing the game would affect our chances of getting out of the pool or not. I think there’s a couple of obvious pools where there’s going to be two teams coming out.

“Then there’s probably a couple of pools where the runner-up has got a chance. If we can do well against Benetton at home and in the last game at Lyon, then I think we’re still alive.”

Leicester fans want more change at Welford Road:

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TI 1 hour ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 2 hours 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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