Leo can hold his head high despite Irish defeat
Wednesday February 17 2010
IRELAND MAY have been outmuscled by the French pack in their 3310 defeat in Paris, but Wicklow's Leo Cullen can look back on the game with a degree of pride, writes Brendan Furlong.
Unlucky to be called ashore during the latter stages of the secondhalf, Cullen had a dominant game in the lineout, as he superbly stole several French throws, particularly during the opening 20 minutes of the game.
Cullen was not alone a towering presence in the line-out but also got in quality work in the rucks and mauls, while he also managed to carry some excellent ball over the gain line.
It was a productive day in the line-out for Cullen, in what was a typical physical display from the Leinster captain.
Cullen was one of the few Irish players to produce a decent display in a game where Ireland were punished for their errors and mishandling, all of which in the end led to some decisive French scores.
Like in the Italy victory, Cullen grasped his opportunity having been frozen out by Eddie O'Sullivan, and deserves to retain his place for the England game on Saturday week. While Declan Kidney will have selection issues ahead of the England game it will be a major surprise should Cullen not make the starting fifteen.
Cullen is one of the many Irish players to come out of the game carrying an injury.
He suffered an ankle twist during the course of the match but it's expected that he will be fully fit to join the training camp in Cork this Wednesday.
