Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Leo Cullen says Leinster lacked sharpness in tight win over Bath

Sport360 staff

08:13 09/12/2018

Leo Cullen admitted that holders Leinster “got a little bit fortunate” with their winning try after they sunk Heineken Champions Cup opponents Bath 17-10.

Wing Jordan Larmour claimed a 50-metre interception score early in the second half to keep Leinster firmly on track for another quarter-final appearance.

But Leinster head coach Cullen said: “We do get a little bit lucky.

“The lineout (throw) goes crooked, Bath play for the advantage, the referee calls advantage over and within the next two seconds they throw a pass and we are suddenly scoring at the other end of the field.

“It was a big moment in the game, for sure. We got a little bit fortunate there.”

Bath delivered arguably their most impressive display of a disappointing season so far, but they were undone after taking the lead through prop Henry Thomas’ 22nd-minute try that James Wilson converted, with Wilson adding a late penalty to secure a losing bonus point.

Hooker Sean Cronin hauled Leinster level just before the interval, and with world player of the year Johnny Sexton converting both tries and Ross Byrne kicking a late penalty, Leinster went top of Pool One.

Bath, though, are drifting towards an early exit, having failed to win any of their first three European games and facing a testing return encounter against Leinster in Dublin next weekend.

Cullen added: “We lacked a little bit of punch in the collision part of the game and we probably didn’t generate enough momentum in attack.

“It was a little bit mixed in terms of the performance and we are pleased to get the win.

“There are a hell of a lot of things we can get better at. We just lacked that little bit of sharpness in the first 20 or 30 minutes of the game. We need to make sure we understand what gets us into trouble and what makes us good.”

Sexton limped off near the end of the game due to a suspected calf muscle issue, although Cullen reported that he does not think it is serious.

More from rugby

French-Algerian Anissa Meksen gets chance to be first to claim new ONE Championship gold

Adrian Lee’s ONE Championship debut confirmed as he looks to further family legacy

NBA 3X ABU DHABI an unparalleled success with legends LaMarcus Aldridge and James Worthy in attendance

ONE Friday Fights 59: French-Algerian looks to maintain KO momentum in headliner

New ONE Championship king Alexis Nicolas ready to fight ‘the world’

French-Algerian Alexis Nicolas reflects on becoming ONE Championship world champ

Most Popular