Leinster treated us to a dominant show on the Lansdowne Road pitch and then followed it up in the post-match press conference.
Following their 38-16 dusting of Scarlets, Leinster rolled out Leo Cullen, Johnny Sexton and Rob Kearney to face the press.
Cullen, who was battling in the trenches with Kearney and Sexton, is now the man that steers the Leinster ship. Asked whether he finds coaching or playing easier, Cullen replied:
“Physically, it’s a bit easier coaching, mentally it’s a bit easier playing.
“They’re world’s apart really, they’re a great bunch to work with at the moment, they were a great bunch to play with too. Now it’s all about concentrating on preparing as best we can and put a plan together based on what we see. It’s a great challenge, a final in Spain, it will be a special day, we hope, we just need to give ourselves the best chance now.”
Cullen used to be one of the senior pros that drove standards and demanded more from those around him but that torch has been passed. Asked if he was planning on resting several senior stars between now and the final, in three weeks, he joked, “They usually make the decisions themselves!”
As it stands, Leinster should have only one game left between now and the Champions Cup final – Connacht away next Saturday – and many players will be eager to be involved. “We’ve won five of the inter-pros so far,” Cullen added, “and we certainly want to make it six.”
Focusing on putting one over on Connacht just minutes after reaching a European Cup final. That is this Leinster team all over.
One man that epitomises that hell-bent desire to win, and keep winning, is Kearney. The fullback [a 13-season veteran at just 32] had another fine game in a season that, for many, was supposed to see him give up his No.15 jersey to young guns like Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour and a few other talented challengers.
So impressed with Rob Kearney today and all season for that matter.
Made substantial tweaks to his game.
Far less predicable with the ball in hand and, as always, rock solid without it.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) April 21, 2018
Having claimed his second Grand Slam with Ireland, last month, Kearney could yet finish the season with his fourth league and fourth European Cup winners’ medals.
Asked how his hunger for success has not been sated, Kearney replied:
“It’s probably higher. It’s human nature, you… you get really greedy. You want more. We’re in a club where we are surrounded by so many ambitious, competitive people. The team is doing really well chasing for silverware. There’s nothing worse having to watch that from a couch somewhere else, when you’re not involved.
“We’re part of something really special and winning is such a great feeling. And the more you win, the more you want to win and the more trophies you get, the greedier you get for more.
“That’s what builds it – greed, in a nice way.”
In the words of fictional Wall Street tycoon Gordon Gekko, greed is good…
Kearney also paid tribute to another driven individual that has certainly added to this Leinster team, Scott Fardy.
“He was outstanding today,” he began. “Scott is one of those four [Leinster] lads who was nominated for player of the tournament as well so he’s shown a consistency throughout.
“I think the most impressive thing about Scott is off the field, what he’s doing with the younger guys and his coaching and mentoring. The manner in which he turned up today was incredible and a massive credit to him.”
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