'We need to look at ourselves as coaches' - Leinster boss Leo Cullen

Leinster boss Leo Cullen insists his coaching team won't escape scrutiny when questions about team performance are raised.

Despite a ninth straight win of the season against Clermont on Saturday, a star-studded line-up failed to fire on all cylinders, and wasted numerous chances to deliver a comfortable Pool 2 Champions Cup victory at Aviva Stadium.

In addition, the lineout malfunctioned badly, seven throws failing to find their target, while uncharacteristic handling errors littered the 15-7 win, secured by two first-half tries and a second-half penalty.

While Cullen and senior coach Jacques Nienaber have considerable resources at their disposal, that comes with the caveat of having to accommodate IRFU player-management stipulations, Emerging Ireland players, Hugo Keenan from Sevens duty, squad members returning from injury, and the development of academy prospects.

Cullen’s match-day panel for Clermont included 17 Ireland internationals, All Blacks star Jordie Barrett, double World Cup winner RG Snyman, and the experienced former French international Rabah Slimani.

After admitting to frustration in the dressing room, the head coach, whose side face Connacht in the URC on Saturday, added that the management team will look at how they can improve as well.

"Guys had an opportunity [on Saturday] and it was mixed," said the former Ireland lock.

"Listen, let's face it, some lads didn't go as well as we'd have hoped they'd go.

"Is that the way that we're preparing them? We need to look at ourselves as coaches and go away and be very self-reflecting in terms of messaging and all the rest.

"So, you can figure that out but, we've got through this week. We've got four points.

"It's wintertime conditions, playing against a very physical