THE START OF a new season naturally engenders optimism and the hope around Leinster is that the eastern province can learn from last season and kick-on in Leo Cullen’s second year at the helm.
Ben Whitley / INPHO
Ben Whitley / INPHO / INPHO
They were unable to salvage an otherwise forgettable 2015/16 season by ending it with silverware, but the feeling this time around is that Leinster won’t be plagued by the problems of yesteryear.
Cullen presided over a disastrous European campaign and while his side conjured a run to the Pro12 final, a chastening defeat to Connacht left a sour taste in the mouth.
But this is a new beginning. Ben Te’o, Ian Madigan, Marty Moore and Isaac Boss have all left for pastures new while Luke Fitzgerald and Eoin Reddan hung up their boots over the summer.
Speaking last week, Cullen admitted he still agonises over some of last year’s horror shows but firmly believes it will be different this time around with a new group to work with.
What’s changed?
There has been a bit of a changing of the guard at the RDS over the summer with several of the squad’s senior members making way for the arrival of Robbie Henshaw, Jamison Gibson-Park and a number of players from the province’s academy.
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Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
Photosport / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO / Andrew Cornaga/INPHO
The addition of Henshaw, in particular, is a major fillip and his presence will automatically bolster Leinster’s midfield while offsetting the loss of Te’o to Worcester.
But the biggest change over the off-season has been the loss of defence coach Kurt McQuilkin. His sudden departure has left a huge void to fill, the Kiwi masterminding the Pro12′s best defence last year.
Isa Nacewa has retained the captaincy having assumed the role not long into last season following the retirement of Kevin McLaughlin. There is still a familiarity to the province this term but with a healthy sprinkling of freshness.
Euro-vision
Their European campaign can’t go as badly last year. The three-time winners were out of contention by Christmas and ended their Pool 5 fixtures with just one win to show for their efforts.
This time around they’ve been handed a slightly easier draw with Montpellier, Northampton and Castres making up their Champions Cup group. But, Cullen and his players will be desperate to right the wrongs from last year and reassert Leinster’s credentials as one of Europe’s big players this year.
Why they ought to be excited
Any new signings will enthuse supporters and certainly the acquisition of Henshaw will be a real coup for Leinster. The Ireland centre, in addition to the arrival of scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park, will boost a backline which misfired on so many occasions last year.
Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
The Pro12 final aside, Leinster grew in stature as last year progressed and as Cullen began to stamp his authority on the squad, there were more signs of encouragement. He will still have to deal with international windows but nothing like the disruption of the World Cup 12 months ago.
Big concern
One of the positives to come from last season was Leinster’s defence. Michael Cheika’s Heineken Cup winning side was built upon a strong rearguard and McQuilkin returned to get their house in order in that respect. The significance of his departure cannot be understated.
On paper, Leinster look well-stocked across the board but out-half is a position where they may find themselves light on as the season progresses. With Madigan no longer within the ranks, the pre-season duties have fallen upon Joey Carberry, Cathal Marsh and Ross Byrne. All three are promising players but lack experience in a position which is so crucial.
27 May, are they Aviva-bound?
Leinster have made the final six out of the last seven seasons so you would expect them to repeat the trick in 2016/17 and go one better than last May.
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Can Leo Cullen's men rediscover their mojo? It's your big Leinster season preview
THE START OF a new season naturally engenders optimism and the hope around Leinster is that the eastern province can learn from last season and kick-on in Leo Cullen’s second year at the helm.
They were unable to salvage an otherwise forgettable 2015/16 season by ending it with silverware, but the feeling this time around is that Leinster won’t be plagued by the problems of yesteryear.
Cullen presided over a disastrous European campaign and while his side conjured a run to the Pro12 final, a chastening defeat to Connacht left a sour taste in the mouth.
But this is a new beginning. Ben Te’o, Ian Madigan, Marty Moore and Isaac Boss have all left for pastures new while Luke Fitzgerald and Eoin Reddan hung up their boots over the summer.
Speaking last week, Cullen admitted he still agonises over some of last year’s horror shows but firmly believes it will be different this time around with a new group to work with.
What’s changed?
There has been a bit of a changing of the guard at the RDS over the summer with several of the squad’s senior members making way for the arrival of Robbie Henshaw, Jamison Gibson-Park and a number of players from the province’s academy.
The addition of Henshaw, in particular, is a major fillip and his presence will automatically bolster Leinster’s midfield while offsetting the loss of Te’o to Worcester.
But the biggest change over the off-season has been the loss of defence coach Kurt McQuilkin. His sudden departure has left a huge void to fill, the Kiwi masterminding the Pro12′s best defence last year.
Isa Nacewa has retained the captaincy having assumed the role not long into last season following the retirement of Kevin McLaughlin. There is still a familiarity to the province this term but with a healthy sprinkling of freshness.
Euro-vision
Their European campaign can’t go as badly last year. The three-time winners were out of contention by Christmas and ended their Pool 5 fixtures with just one win to show for their efforts.
This time around they’ve been handed a slightly easier draw with Montpellier, Northampton and Castres making up their Champions Cup group. But, Cullen and his players will be desperate to right the wrongs from last year and reassert Leinster’s credentials as one of Europe’s big players this year.
Why they ought to be excited
Any new signings will enthuse supporters and certainly the acquisition of Henshaw will be a real coup for Leinster. The Ireland centre, in addition to the arrival of scrum-half Jamison Gibson Park, will boost a backline which misfired on so many occasions last year.
The Pro12 final aside, Leinster grew in stature as last year progressed and as Cullen began to stamp his authority on the squad, there were more signs of encouragement. He will still have to deal with international windows but nothing like the disruption of the World Cup 12 months ago.
Big concern
One of the positives to come from last season was Leinster’s defence. Michael Cheika’s Heineken Cup winning side was built upon a strong rearguard and McQuilkin returned to get their house in order in that respect. The significance of his departure cannot be understated.
On paper, Leinster look well-stocked across the board but out-half is a position where they may find themselves light on as the season progresses. With Madigan no longer within the ranks, the pre-season duties have fallen upon Joey Carberry, Cathal Marsh and Ross Byrne. All three are promising players but lack experience in a position which is so crucial.
27 May, are they Aviva-bound?
Leinster have made the final six out of the last seven seasons so you would expect them to repeat the trick in 2016/17 and go one better than last May.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
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Guinness PRO12 Leinster Pro12 provincial preview