Cullen hails 'special talent' Lowe after four-try salvo

Leo Cullen hailed James Lowe after the Leinster wing crossed for four tries in the demolition job over Connacht.

The four-time Heineken Champions Cup winners ran out 82-41 aggregate winners over their neighbours following a dominant eight-try victory at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.

The New Zealander had also chipped in with a brace in last weekend's 26-21 win in Galway.

"He put in a good week this week," said Cullen of the Ireland international.

"There is always bits of everyone's game to improve upon. He's very, very talented, as we know.

"When he really applies himself, he's as good as anyone out there. He worked hard this week and you can see the rewards that he got off the back of that.

"He brings a different level in terms of the power that he has in contact. It's a skill that he's able to manage contact on his terms.

"When we signed James, we saw that back in New Zealand with the Chiefs. He's here a long time now. He's a colourful character, as we know. It was great to see him go well over the last couple of weeks.

"Our job is to get the best out of the players and maximise their potential. He has bucket loads of potential.

"It's about making sure we are working with him to get the best out of him. We recognise the special talents that he has.

"There is good positive pressure in the environment because there is good competition for places. The lads know they need to play well because if they don't someone else is ready to step into their place in the team."

Leinster are on course to meet Leicester Tigers, who lead Clermont 29-10 from their first leg ahead of tomorrow’s return leg at Welford Road.

Cullen said he was happy with the improvement shown by his side between the first leg and today’s match.

"Better intent