'It's not about getting to the final, it's about winning it' - Leinster's ambition.
WHEN HE WAS asked about La Rochelle on Saturday evening, Leinster boss Leo Cullen wasn’t willing to go there.
Now, though, we can all discuss another Leinster v Stade Rochelais match-up. Cullen’s team have suffered at the hands of Ronan O’Gara’s side in the last couple of years. In 2021, the Irish province lost 32-23 at the Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle. Last year, Ronan O’Gara’s men edged the final in Marseille on a 24-21 scoreline.
A home Champions Cup final will be a new experience, even if many of this Leinster team recently played a Grand Slam decider in the Aviva Stadium. That was a nervy occasion but Ireland beat England to spark major celebrations.“Having a final in Dublin, it’s the stuff of dreams,” said Ryan.“We haven’t been in that position before, it will be important in terms of how we manage the group.
“The South African teams, we’ve one that’s littered with Springbok talent, what way do they play? They play a game that’s a very strong set-piece game, put a huge emphasis on scrum and lineout maul,” said Cullen.
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