LEO CULLEN ADMITS Leinster have not been good enough this season, after they continued their losing run in Europe against Toulon on Friday night.
“We’ve learnt some harsh lessons from this season, although there were a lot of good things from the first half (against Toulon),” he told reporters after the game
“We need to reassess where we’re going and what we’re actually doing right now.
“We’re getting close (to beating Toulon), but we’re just not quite nailing it.”
With their interest in the Champions Cup having ended despite two more games to play, Leinster must now focus on their their three upcoming Pro12 fixtures away to Munster, home to Connacht and away to Ospreys.
We’re fourth in the Pro12 at the moment, we need to work our way ideally into the top two, because a home semi-final leaves you with the best chance of winning.
“We need to get back to getting better performances. If we perform like we did in the first half against Toulon (more consistently), there’ll be a positive outcome.
“We’re trying to put in some building blocks so we get better all the time.”
While lamenting certain rivals’ financial superiority, Cullen said it was important to avoid adopting a “defeatist attitude” on this matter.
“It is becoming difficult, but it’s the financial reality
We’ve got a lot of good young players coming through, so it’s important we’re patient with them. There are really encouraging signs, and some guys have got a taste of European rugby this year.
“It’s important to do what’s right in terms of young players as well. It’s important that we manage them well and they get those positive experiences rather than throwing them out like lambs to the slaughter.”
One plus point has been the recent performances of Luke Fitzgerald, who has impressed in the centre of late.
I think Lukey’s done really well. He’s a world-class left winger. He’s doing a really good job for us at 12 and naturally, he’ll get better and better. Him and Ben Te’o do swap that role between 12 and 13, so I think he’s a quality footballer.”
And when asked whether too much emphasis was being placed on the needs of the national team at the expense of the provinces, Cullen added: “I think it’s well above my level. I’m very focused just on coaching the team. At board level, some of those issues get discussed. For me, it’s about focusing on what I’m able to control and working within those parameters.”
