'Inside information': Leinster boss wary of 'dangerous' Sharks coach
SPOTLIGHT: Leinster head coach Leo Cullen knows that the Sharks will be getting some “inside information” from assistant coach Noel McNamara ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash in Dublin on Saturday.
McNamara was Leinster’s Academy Manager before heading to Durban last year to become the Sharks’ attack and backs coach.
The Sharks are one of three unbeaten South African sides in the competition so far and Cullen immediately turned his attention to the Durban side after his team’s 20-13 victory over Ulster over the weekend.
And that win was especially sweet for Cullen after his side lost twice to Ulster last season.
“When you lose to a team you have those fresh scars but it’s an interprovincial derby game, so I think there’s plenty of motivation at stake there anyway,” said Cullen told Irish media after Friday’s victory in Belfast.
“But definitely there’s a respect piece for what Ulster have done over the last couple of seasons. That focused the mind as well.”
On the upcoming fixture against the Sharks, Cullen admitted that he still thinking about the last visit by a South African team to the RDS Arena.
That was in June last season when the Bulls beat them in the semifinals.
The Leinster boss is preparing his team for another tricky fixture, especially with McNamara in the Sharks’ coaching team.
“My mind is already thinking over to Sharks now because the last time we lost in the RDS was against a South African team, the Bulls.
“With Noel McNamara, it’s always dangerous,” said Cullen.
“That bit of inside information, understanding the RDS, lots of things about our game etc.
“Noel is a very smart coach as well.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
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Leinster evolution
Meanwhile, there has been talk of “upheaval” in Dublin after the departures of assistant coaches Felipe Contepomi and Denis Leamy.
Leinster will also be saying goodbye to Stuart Lancaster and Johnny Sexton next year, but Cullen is adamant the future looks brighter than ever for his team
“There are great people here. Andrew Goodman has arrived from Crusaders after five unbelievably successful years there; he is a great addition,” said Cullen.
“Sean O’Brien is a young coach coming in, Robyn McBride has huge experience, and that all adds different dimensions to the group.
“We have fresh blood there that will only get better. That is why we asked them to join us because we think they have unbelievable potential for the future as well as the here and now.
“So, in terms of upheaval, a word I strongly disagree with, the thing with rugby is nothing stands still. Ever. People get older, players, coaches. Players retire, new players come through the system.”
Source: The Irish Times
