Murray Kinsella reports from Altrad Stadium
WHILE IT WAS dubbed a dead rubber game in some quarters, Leinster’s 23-14 win over Montpellier in France felt like an important moment to this group of players.
When the Irish province burst into an early lead through Ross Byrne’s try the outlook was good, but their error rate was alarming for the remainder of the first half and Leo Cullen’s side lost control to trail 14-8 at the break.
Already qualified for a home quarter-final before today, Leinster could perhaps have been forgiven for not responding as emphatically as they did, but this fixture in Montpellier had been designated as a key part of their growth.
Having had a poor recent record in France, Cullen’s players arrived in Montpellier with a determined mindset.
“A big focus for us, and I know a few of the lads said it during the week in the media, was coming to France and winning,” said man of the match Sean Cronin afterwards.
“We haven’t done well here the last few years – we drew against Castres last year and played poorly and lost away to Montpellier last year, and lost to Clermont in the semis obviously.
“So it was a big thing for us to come here and show that we’ve progressed, and just get everything right with our set-piece, D and our attack. It was pleasing.”
To win in France was important for Leinster in view of the knock-out stages to come later this season, given that the system for the semi-final draw means they could have to travel.
“You can’t really control the quarter-final or semi-final stage – well, you can control your bit – but not the other bits,” said head coach Cullen in Montpellier.
“Getting seeding of one or two is partly important but you can’t control the other games, so you may have to travel to France again.
“It’s one of those things that people could start to talk about. Does that drain confidence? At least you’ve got rid of that potential psychological barrier because we’ve lost a few games in France before.
“They showed a lot of character today, which was pleasing, and controlled the game for good chunks of it.”
Leinster’s season so far has contained many impressive milestones but this win in France will be as pleasing as any of them for the players and coaching group. Bien joué.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Would be great for the league of Ireland if they progresed
FH looked an average loi team who got a goal against the run of play last week. We were the better team but they might have been keeping it tight.. but if they play like they did last wed and we play like we can then we will advance.. i firmly believe we will score tonight. Garts is a massive loss in the centre of defence but barrett is a good replacement… we are playing FH for €1.2m and a guaranteed 4 more games minimum in Europe.
Who’s we ?!
“We”… Are Ireland’s number one. The Black & White army.
Not doubting you. They really are Ireland’s number 1. Just asked for the craic because my uncle always mocks me when I use ‘we’ when talking about cork city lol
Massive game for Fundalk given the money at stake , great for the town and club . Really well run club these days with a super manager leading the team. Cmon da town !!
Get the name right pal. They’re fun to watch but I wouldn’t go that far
Says the plastic Irish supporter. Take down that Irish cover photo please if your not willing to support your own Irish league.
I’m supporting them no doubt.
Disappointed there isn’t a LIVE ticker thread for this game. It’s only the champions of Ireland playing in the world’s most lucrative competition. RTE not broadcasting it is a disgrace. And they claim to be supporters of domestic football. (Yes I know it’s on Eir Sport).
Dundalk playing some nice football here, they’ve been the better team so far, unlucky to be behind. Horgan & McMillan are doing very well. They’re just lacking a bit of composure in the final third.
Still nothing up about the match tonight disgraceful from the 42
And still nothing. Surely a live ticker wasn’t beyond them. They are the champions of Ireland and our only representatives in champions league. Fair dues to Eir for covering it, super game and even better performance from Dundalk.