Leinster issue injured trio update, including 'hobbling' Furlong
Leinster were left nursing some wounds in the aftermath of defeating Toulouse in the Heineken Champions Cup semi-finals, but coach Leo Cullen didn’t sound that concerned on Saturday evening when providing an update on the status of a casualty list featuring three of his forwards – including Tadhg Furlong.
The tighthead lasted just 17 minutes of the game in Dublin, with Ronan Kelleher later withdrawn in the second half. James Lowe was also said to have picked up a knock. With the final just a fortnight away in Marseille on May 28, the health of the trio was an obvious go-to topic in the aftermath of the 40-17 victory over the 2021 champions.
“Tadhg seems to be okay there now,” reported Leinster boss Cullen when asked for an update on Furlong and the two others who left the Aviva Stadium scene early. “You could see him hobbling, so he has done something to his ankle. It didn’t seem to be too bad but the extent we will get figured out in the next couple of days.
“Ronan went off so he will just go through the graduated return to play. James took a bang at the end on his shin but it doesn’t seem to be too serious from the first reports in there, but we will get it all checked.”
Next up on the Cullen agenda is a Sunday afternoon on the couch to learn whether it is Racing or La Rochelle who will play Leinster in the final. “We will watch with great interest how Racing go against La Rochelle. I was listening to Mike Prendergast yesterday [Friday] and just the desire of Racing to win a European star from their owners all the way through the club, it’s a big goal of theirs.
“If they were to progress we know then as we came across them before in a final in Bilbao (in 2018) and La Rochelle, we experienced them first hand, we lost that semi-final last year when we didn’t deliver our best performance on the day.
“At this stage of the tournament you need to be delivering close to your best against the best teams in Europe, but it’s a hugely exciting challenge away against a French team down in Marseille which is a different environment and we have experienced that before.
“We were down there in a semi-final (against Toulon in 2015). We don’t have many players that are still around from that day. Johnny (Sexton) wasn’t even there, he was away at the time (at Racing) but there are parts of that game, that weekend that still lives strong in my memory for lots of the wrong reasons – but it is just a hugely exciting challenge. It has been a season of many twists and turns to get to this point.”
Reflecting on the semi-final win over Toulouse, Cullen added: “Credit to the lads, there was lots of good stuff in the game. It was amazing to run out in front of that crowd (of 42,076) as well. It was a short week so a huge effort to get that crowd in those numbers. That created a lot of energy for the team and they fed off that. Lots of good stuff against a very good team in Toulouse.
“The lads threw the kitchen since at it but Toulouse hung in and hung in and they are always a constant threat. You could see that in the first half where we were attacking in their 22 and lost possession and they are gone the length of the field. That constant threat was there the whole time but for our guys, I thought it was a good performance overall. There is still room for growth as always but to deliver a big performance in the semi-final is pleasing.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Quite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
10 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
10 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
10 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
10 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
10 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
10 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
10 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
10 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
10 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to comments