'We had a good plan, we saw the opportunity to beat the Sharks': Leo Cullen

Leo Cullen was a delighted man as league leaders Leinster bounced back from their first defeat of the season to beat Hollywoodbets Sharks 10-7 in Durban.

They had suffered last gasp heartbreak in losing to the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria in Round 13, but they were not to be denied on the second leg of their South African tour.

Replacements Henry Mcerlean and Scott Penny scored the visitors’ two tries, with skipper Max Deegan named Player of the Match after a huge ball-carrying display.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree on Siya Kolisi’s final-minute decision against Leinster

Head coach John Plumtree admitted that the Sharks were their own worst enemies in the United Rugby Championship Round 14 clash against Leinster at Kings Park.

Sharks head coach John Plumtree on Siya Kolisi’s final-minute decision against Leinster

Head coach John Plumtree admitted that the Sharks were their own worst enemies in the United Rugby Championship Round 14 clash against Leinster at Kings Park.

After the final whistle, No 8 Deegan celebrated in style with a swan-dive into the pitch-side pool!

It was a really gritty performance from the table toppers against the Springbok-laden Sharks and all the more impressive given they were without the majority of their Ireland stars.

Head coach Cullen commented: “I am so impressed with this squad. The Six Nations window allows us to bring guys through the system and, the more guys who play for Ireland, the more opportunities we have at club level. That is how we look at it and the timing of this tour to South Africa gave us opportunities at the right time to grow our squad.”

He added: “We had a good plan, we saw the opportunity to beat the Sharks and we worked out a way to do it. It required good intent, and that was plentiful, and we ground it out. We have no regret that it was not the prettiest of contests. We came to a difficult place to win and we are so pleased to get the result.

“This game was nail-biting, as it was last week in Pretoria, but so many guys were working hard and scrambling. The young guys understood the pride in playing for Leinster. This time, our mental attitude prevailed and we are delighted. To take five points home from South Africa is outstanding.”