Leinster is currently on an impressive winning streak, aiming for its 11th consecutive victory against Edinburgh this weekend.
Topics covered
In the early stages of the season, Leinster Rugby faced significant criticism. Head coach Leo Cullen acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating they were “getting a bit of flak.” However, the narrative has shifted dramatically as the team has found its stride, achieving ten straight victories across all competitions.
As they prepare for their upcoming match against Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday, Leinster is poised to extend this impressive streak to eleven wins before the much-anticipated Guinness Six Nations break.
Resurgence after a rocky start
The beginning of the season was challenging for Leinster.
They secured only one victory from their first four league matches, with injuries to key players contributing to their struggles. Yet the team has shown remarkable resilience. Cullen emphasized the determination and effort from both players and staff, stating, “They’ve worked incredibly hard over the last couple of months.” This commitment has propelled them back into contention, leading to a run of six consecutive wins in the BKT URC, elevating them to third place in the standings.
Additionally, Leinster completed a perfect record in the Investec Champions Cup pool stage, winning all four of their matches. Cullen expressed pride in the team’s character, reflecting on how they handled early season challenges with grace. “It’s a real credit to the characteristics these guys show every day,” he affirmed.
Memorable victory against Connacht
One highlight of this winning streak was the recent match against Connacht, where Leinster emerged victorious with a score of 34–23. This match took place at the newly inaugurated Dexcom Stadium in Galway, drawing a record crowd of 12,461 spectators. Cullen acknowledged the significance of the occasion, stating, “We knew it was going to be a huge occasion because it’s been in the calendar for a long time.”
Connacht presented a formidable challenge, with the intensity of the match palpable from the outset. Both teams traded blows throughout the game. Cullen praised Connacht’s performance, noting, “Credit to them, it was tit-for-tat throughout.” Ultimately, the bonus-point win was a gratifying outcome for Leinster, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead to the clash with Edinburgh
As Leinster sets its sights on the upcoming fixture against Edinburgh, they will face a team currently sitting in 12th place following a recent loss to the Vodacom Bulls. Leinster’s assistant coach, Robin McBryde, emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum. He remarked, “After a difficult start, we’ve just kept building week by week through what’s been a long block. It’s been good, but now we’ve got to finish the job.”
With the Six Nations break on the horizon, there is a palpable sense of urgency to secure another win. The atmosphere within the team has shifted, particularly as several international players have been called up to represent their countries, bringing a unique energy to the squad. McBryde noted that the excitement is tangible as everyone looks forward to the weekend’s challenge.
Anticipating a fierce competition
Edinburgh will undoubtedly be motivated to bounce back from their recent defeat, and McBryde is aware of the threat they pose. “They’ll be hurting after that result and keen to finish their own block on a high,” he commented. A victory for Edinburgh would provide a boost before the break, and McBryde anticipates a tough contest. He added, “They’re a cohesive group, so it’ll be tough enough. We just need to improve on certain aspects from last Saturday and really re-knuckle down.”
As Leinster prepares for this critical match, the focus is firmly on executing and refining their strategy, aiming to build on their impressive form. With the prospect of an 11th consecutive win at stake, the team is determined to approach the game with the same tenacity that has defined their recent performances.
