Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says the Vodacom Bulls would have learned a lot from last season’s URC final at Croke Park.
The Bulls will return to Dublin for next Saturday’s decider looking to avenge that 32-7 loss, having booked their place in the final with a dramatic 22-21 comeback victory against the Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield.
Cullen believes the experience of reaching a fourth final in five seasons – this time under head coach Johan Ackermann – will make the Bulls an even tougher proposition.
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“They would have learned a lot from the experience of being in a final last year,” he said after Leinster’s 20-11 semi-final win against the Stormers at the Aviva Stadium.
The Leinster boss highlighted the contrast between the three South African teams his side has faced in the playoffs.
“The Lions were the South African Shield winners, but they have a lot less Springbok international experience in their team,” he said. “The Stormers put a lot more physical pressure on us.
“The Bulls, listen, they’re different the way they defend but they’re a team with a tonne of Springbok experience. World Cup winners littered throughout their group.
“If you look at some of the players they’ve added as well. The likes of Handré Pollard in particular. He’s a World Cup winner and what he brings to a team.
“They’re a serious outfit.”
Cullen said the Bulls’ victory at Murrayfield underlined the threat they pose.
“They’re a hugely physical team and we need to be ready for that challenge.”
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The extra week between the semi-finals and final could prove crucial for both teams. While it gave the Bulls a chance to return to Pretoria for a break, Cullen believes it will also help Leinster freshen up after a demanding run of knockout matches.
“Bit of down time, recovery time and then turn the page later, towards the tail-end of next week,” he said. “Obviously you can see they take the toll because it’s do or die, it’s all left out there.
“But listen, I think the time is [good] for the regeneration of some of the players. Rest and recovery is hugely important when you get it at this stage of the season.”
Leinster are hoping to welcome back several key players for the final. Hooker Dan Sheehan, prop Tadhg Furlong and centre Robbie Henshaw missed the semi-final through injury, while wing Tommy O’Brien is expected to be available after taking a full part in the warm-up against the Stormers.
However, loosehead prop Andrew Porter is a major doubt after limping off with a calf injury in the first half.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
