Champions Cup: Leinster’s Leo Cullen claims nerves are ‘a good thing’

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has admitted to being nervous ahead of his side’s second leg clash against Connacht in the Champions Cup last-16.

Cullen’s men claimed a narrow 26-21 victory over their Irish rivals at the Sportsground last weekend in a brilliant clash.

The value of the two-leg structure is evident in this tie as it is all to play for at the Aviva Stadium, albeit with Leinster favourites to progress to the quarter-final.

“I’m always nervous about these things because it means a lot to us. If you weren’t nervous, there would be something wrong with you,” Cullen said.

“I was nervous last week, I’m nervous this week, so nothing really changes there.

“But that’s what makes it special as well. The guys have been focused this week and it’s just about delivering really.

“You’ve got to be able to read the game and what’s in front of you – how you start the game, what the conditions are like, in terms of the referee etc.

“There are lots of different variables there, so it’s just making sure we are clear on what our plans are and how we can tweak things in the moment of the game.

“Nerves are part of it. They’re a good thing.”

Both teams have brought in internationals, with Leinster welcoming the return of Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher whilst Connacht has drafted in scrum-half Caolan Blade, a player who Cullen believes will make a change.

“Caolan Blade changes things up for them,” he said.

“It’s just making sure we try to impose our game on them. We were close to clicking at times last week but it’s fair to say we’re still that little bit off, we were frustrated after the game.

“We certainly aim to be better.

“It feels like we’re having to build back up again, and both games, Munster away and Connacht in Europe,