Leo Cullen thinks of Ulster as a threat – Rugby News Update
Leo Cullen, the 34-year-old captain and lock of Leinster is hoping to make history, when his side takes on Ulster in the final of the Heineken Cup. He will become the first player to lift the trophy three times if Leinster wins the final, a team they have
beaten twice already in the RaboDirect PRO12 this year.
Cullen has thrown caution to the wind by stating that his team needs to be vigilant, disciplined and not give away too many penalties, which he feels will be punished by Ruan Pienaar, who has the ability to score points from any situation.
Recalling an earlier game where the team was not disciplined, they were punished and he does not want to repeat the same mistakes against a team that was the first ever Irish team to win European honours.
He said, "Against Clermont (Auvergne) it was our discipline that nearly killed us in the first half. We gave away four shots at goal and Brock James kicked the lot and we suddenly found ourselves 12-6 down. Our discipline was quite poor and that is something
we have to work on and be aware of against Ulster."
The final of the Heineken Cup is going to be played at the home of England rugby, Twickenham, this year, a place where Cullen does not have found memories. It is also the first instance when two Irish teams are fighting it out in the final together. Cullen
started his club career with Leinster before moving to Leicester in 2005 for two years, and making his return to his childhood club again in 2007. While at Leicester he lost the Heineken Cup final at Twickenham.
Recalling the time he said, "Losing a Heineken Cup final is not the nicest of feelings. Leinster are very hungry to succeed, there are a lot of very ambitious players in the squad and it would be great to achieve those back-to-back Heineken Cup titles...”
Cullen has represented Ireland 32 times, making his debut against New Zealand at Auckland, on June 22, 2002, while he played his last test against Russia at Rotorua, on September 25, 2011.
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