Irish boss shares 'hard lesson' with SA rivals

22/04/2024 15:28

Leo Cullen said there is no "secret recipe" to competing in multiple competitions simultaneously, as the likes of the Vodacom Bulls grapple with the demands of the EPCR.

The Leinster coach was quoted post-match after the Irish giants were mauled six tries to two by the Lions at Ellis Park in the Vodacom URC last week.

Log-leaders Leinster are now just one point ahead of the Glasgow Warriors, and will refocus for a clash against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday before a return to Dublin to tackle the Northampton Saints in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.

Jake White's decision to send a second-string Bulls side to face Northampton in a European cup playoff two weeks ago to prioritise a Loftus Versfeld meeting with Munster backfired, with the Pretoria outfit going to the URC champions.

White has stressed that South African teams currently lack the depth to compete in elite league and knockout competitions, and Cullen agrees, admitting it’s a challenge even for four-time Champions Cup winners Leinster.

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"A lot of work has gone into getting us into the position we are in,” Cullen told the media. "We need to work hard to stay there and push on.

"The model we have is primarily bringing young players through the system. You have to give them experience at some point.

"For the bulk of the season, the 18 regular URC games, we use a core group. That is the beauty of the competition for us. It is tough and our guys need to learn some hard lessons sometimes.

"The hope is always that you will be better for that experience."

"It is a hell of a lot of top-end games,” he added. “We lost in the last two [Champions Cup] semi-finals, but won it the previous four years [as the Pro14].

"This means a hell of a lot to us, just like the Champions Cup means a hell of a lot to us.

"We would love to stay successful in both competitions, but it is an incredibly hard thing to do.

"You see it in other sports as well, that are trying to juggle different competitions. It is pretty hard going, particularly with the nature of rugby – being a contact sport and ensuring you can deliver.

"I am not sure anyone has the exact secret recipe. However, we are all searching for it."

Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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