Leo Cullen Stacks Leinster Vs Ospreys With Returning Big Names

Leinster vs Ospreys brought back several big names, with James Lowe, Tadhg Furlong and Alex Usanov all in the mix seven days before the Champions Cup final. Leo Cullen treated the match as more than a league fixture, with places for Bilbao still being fought over.

Cullen Restores Leinster Core

Jack Conan led the side after recovering from a knee issue, while Robbie Henshaw returned after being knocked out in the win over Toulon. Jordan Larmour started on the left wing after a long absence, and Harry Byrne came in at outhalf.

Jimmy O’Brien switched to fullback after a fine game in the win against the Lions, and Ciarán Frawley was again in the frame after orchestrating Leinster’s try blitz against the Lions in the final quarter. Lowe was one try short of Shane Horgan’s Leinster record of 68 tries, adding another layer to his return after not playing since January.

Leo Cullen Wants Quality

Cullen was direct about why the stronger selection went in. “Having that fresh energy in the group, it’s amazing,” he said. “We just need to show proper quality.” He added: “They need to play well.”

That message fit the timing. Leinster were seven days from the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Bègles, and the matchday group of 15 starters and 8 replacements gave the coaching staff one more live look at players pushing for the trip to Bilbao.

Bilbao Places Still Open

Hugo Keenan, Jamie Osborne and Rieko Ioane would all expect to be on the plane to Bilbao, but the selection picture was still being shaped by form and fitness. Usanov’s return came after ankle surgery in mid-April, Furlong was back from an injury spell, and Lowe re-entered the picture after his long absence.

For Leinster, the Ospreys match was not just about carrying momentum into the final. It was a final sorting ground for players trying to force their way into the squad that will chase the European title in Bilbao.