This is a huge step – Leo Cullen backs Harry Byrne to excel for Leinster in European Champions Cup clash vs La Rochelle
LEO CULLEN admits tomorrow’s Champions Cup pool clash with La Rochelle will be ‘a step up’ for Harry Byrne — but reckons he can rise to the challenge.
In the absence of his injured brother Ross, Harry will line at out-half alongside Ireland international Jamison Gibson-Park for the first game of Leinster’s European campaign.
Ciarán Frawley got a lengthy run-out off the bench in a recent URC triumph against Munster at the Aviva Stadium.
But Byrne has got the nod to start against Ronan O’Gara’s men.
And Cullen said: “Harry is such a talented player but this is a huge step.
“That’s the thing. The players just need to take the step. What a way to do it, away in France.
“He’s been growing year on year and he’s learning from some of the players who have been there and Johnny Sexton, who was in the driving seat for so long.
“But this is Harry’s time. I think back to Croke Park in 2009 and the European Cup semi-final against Munster. Felipe Contepomi started the game and Johnny stepped in as a 24-year-old.
“Now Harry is a 24-year-old and he’s stepping into the team. It’s time to deliver now. Harry has plenty of experience of playing games.
“But this is a big game now. A proper big game. He’s played Test match rugby as well but this is a big step up.”
CATCHING THE EYE
Aside from Byrne, there were some other headline-grabbing selections in the Leinster team that was named yesterday.
Michael Ala’alatoa and Ryan Baird were both named in the Blues’ starting XV as Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan continue to nurse minor niggles.
Will Connors has been given the chance to shine at openside flanker for his first European appearance in more than three years.
And that means 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year Josh van der Flier must settle for a place on the bench. Cullen explained: “We’re very lucky with some of the back rowers we have.
“Will has had a few injury challenges but he’s got through pre-season and the extended pre-season has been good for him. We’re looking forward to seeing what Will can deliver.
“He’s got some exceptional strengths to his game and hopefully we’ll see that.”
The tie will also be a rematch of the last two Champions Cup finals — with La Rochelle winning both.
But Cullen insists his side will not get bogged down in their bid to exorcise the demons of the past.
The former Ireland international added: “Everyone is a bit obsessed talking about the past.
“You win or lose and have to be able to move forward. That’s what we’re doing. We’re excited by this challenge in a new year with a new group of players so it’s different.
“If we won last year we would be the same, you can’t live in the past. Whether that’s good or bad.
“We’re just excited by the challenge and it’s an unbelievably tough challenge because they’re a team full of experience who are used to winning.”