LEINSTER RAN OUT comprehensive 14-point winners against the Cardiff Blues at the RDS last night but hooker Sean Cronin was a little unhappy with how his side let their foot off the gas at key times during the 80 minutes.

With Sam Warbuton and Josh Navidi in the Cardiff back row, the visitors were able combatants at the breakdown, and Cronin thinks fine-tuning that part of their game will be massive before Leinster play Munster at the Aviva next weekend.

“There were a few disappointing aspects of the game, mainly that we had them under pressure and we let them back into the game,” Cronin said.

“We were scrambling towards the end but the bench had a great impact and got us over the line with the bonus point.

“The breakdown was a bit frustrating because we turned over a bit of ball and that is something that we are going to have to focus on before the big derby game next weekend.”

While Leinster have been clinical in their two home wins against Cardiff and the Scarlets, they have conceded plenty of scores from turnover ball since the season started. Cronin emphasised the importance of being accurate when in possession and of reacting defensively after turning the ball over.

“It is about getting your shape back as quick as possible,” Cronin said.

“I think it is something we are struggling with at the moment; we are trying to play a high-tempo game and when we go through phases we put teams under pressure but when it breaks down and we don’t get our detail right things can go a bit astray.

“We need to work on getting our detail right because we know if we keep the tempo high we can put teams under pressure.”

Leinster’s scrum was strong against Cardiff and Cronin was pleased with the power showed by the pack. But after losing a few lineouts last night, he also thinks that greater work is needed at the set-piece ahead of the Munster encounter.

“We lost a couple of lineouts tonight but the scrum looked really strong and I don’t know how we didn’t get a few penalty calls there towards the end of the game,” Cronin said.

“It is quite encouraging but Munster will be another step up.”

Leinster and Ireland were rocked last night by the news that Cian Healy could be out for up to six months with a hamstring tear. Cronin acknowledged the impact Healy’s absence will have but also thinks that the prop can return at an even higher level.

“It is huge because he was looking really good,” Cronin said.

“It is a big blow for Cian but I am sure he will come back even stronger from it. It is about getting himself right because it is a huge year next year for him with the World Cup.”

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