The principal coach of Leinster, Leo Cullen, conveyed uncertainty regarding the subsequent actions for his squad after their unexpected defeat of 31-14 against Munster at Croke Park.
This outcome signifies that the current URC champions have suffered more losses in the initial four rounds than they did throughout the entire 2024/25 season, with their only triumph being against the Sharks, marking a challenging period in the competition.
Despite Leinster securing an initial score through Ronan Kelleher, Munster’s robust defense and physical strength ultimately prevailed.
The team led by Clayton McMillan surpassed the reigning URC champions, achieving tries from Brian Gleeson, Tom Farrell, and Ethan Coughlan, alongside a penalty try. A concluding consolation try by Scott Penny could not mask the disheartening evening for the champions, witnessed by 51,859 spectators at the GAA headquarters.
“I felt we initiated the match adequately. We managed a successful try early on. Munster then re-engaged, and our exit strategy was ineffective, resulting in them dominating our territory. They executed a close-range try effectively. We encountered ourselves in a comparable situation approximately 12 times throughout the game, failing to capitalize each time because we were trailing,” Cullen stated.
United Rugby Championship
P
W
L
D
PF
PA
PD
BP T
BP-7
BP
Total
1
4
4
0
0
19
2
4
4
0
0
19
3
4
3
1
0
16
4
4
3
1
0
16
5
3
3
0
0
15
6
4
3
1
0
14
7
4
2
2
0
9
8
4
2
2
0
9
9
3
1
2
0
8
10
3
1
2
0
8
11
4
1
3
0
6
12
4
1
3
0
6
13
4
1
3
0
5
14
4
0
3
1
3
15
4
0
3
1
3
16
3
0
3
0
0
Munster’s effective execution played a crucial role, with Cullen expressing regret over his team’s deficiency in composure within the critical scoring area.
“We had an opportunity to score before the intermission, where Munster was fiercely contesting and dedicating their utmost effort, and recognition is due for their approach. They effectively prevented us from scoring before halftime. We commenced the second half with notable vigor and secured a favorable position. We were presented with a lineout and numerous pick-and-go opportunities near the try-line.
“However, Munster exhibited exceptional effectiveness, while we lacked the necessary composure. Is this attributable to it being the inaugural game of the season for numerous players, or is it due to Munster’s superior performance and our slight inaccuracy? Several factors contributed to this scenario.”
Following three defeats in four matches, Leinster is currently positioned outside the top eight, which is an uncommon occurrence considering their previous dominance in URC campaigns. Cullen believes that the issue extends beyond mere performance.
“This serves as an important reminder for the group. A contingent of our team was in South Africa, and we also have a segment from the Lions. The commencement of the season was invariably going to be somewhat challenging for us. We have deliberated this matter for a considerable period, and we are now observing its manifestation. Despite discussing it and hoping it would not materialize, it is essential to hold everyone, particularly ourselves, accountable. We must navigate through this phase, and our performance today was inadequate.
“However, the primary concern is composure, which involves seizing opportunities. Munster demonstrated significantly greater competence than us. Currently, we lack the requisite match readiness. It is what it is. I am uncertain about the precise strategy for our future progress, including how we attain that physical intensity and speed of gameplay.”
With 21 players departing for the Ireland camp, Cullen is confronted with the possibility of assembling a provisional team for the upcoming weekend’s match against Zebre.
“The immediate challenge for us is that a segment of our team will be absent next week, and we are scheduled to play Zebra at the Aviva. I would prefer to be here discussing a strong performance and expressing my best wishes to the players departing for the national camp, as well as discussing the group preparing to compete against Zebre and the opportunities available to several players. We anticipate that several players will make their debut next week. Unfortunately, I am instead discussing our subpar performance today.”
The Leinster manager acknowledged Munster’s greater desire to win.
“I listened to Clayton [McMillan] emphasize diligence, resilience, and resolve, which they undeniably demonstrated. Conversely, we ranked second in diligence, resilience, and resolve. We must accept this outcome and strive for improvement in the future.”
Cullen identified the inconsistent pre-season as a contributing factor, but conceded that the current approach is ineffective.
“The start of the season was invariably going to be somewhat challenging for us. We have deliberated this matter for a considerable period, and we are now observing its manifestation. It is essential to comprehend that to attain the intensity required for a game, one must participate in games. Numerous Munster players have participated in at least two of the three URC games, and some have also participated in the warm-up games, thereby gaining that crucial match readiness. We currently lack that readiness. It is what it is.
“I am uncertain about the precise strategy for our future progress, including how we attain that physical intensity and speed of gameplay. We must evaluate our approach for subsequent seasons, as our current strategy has clearly been unsuccessful, resulting in three losses in the last four games.”
Cullen also openly discussed Leinster’s deficiency in ruthlessness compared to Munster’s.
“It is disheartening, particularly for the fans who attend to watch. I am dissatisfied that we did not perform better, especially since we were in their territory, exerting every effort to gain those final one or two meters. How often were we held up compared to Munster, who opted for the corner and scored a relatively straightforward try?
“We were in a position, likely across 12 sequences, with approximately five to six similar carries. Therefore, upon review, I would prioritize this aspect. Why were their players more determined than ours? This can be challenging to ascertain, but it is crucial that we all assume responsibility.
“This serves as an important reminder for the group, does it not?”
