Kelleher on Toulouse's 'bland' campaign
Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:44
Although Toulouse are currently leading their Heineken Cup Pool, their performances have been far from convincing - and All Black veteran scrumhalf, Byron Kelleher, seems to know why.
Toulouse, who are currently lying second from pole position in the Top 14 standings, have just come off two narrow victories - scraping a home Heineken Cup win over Bath in the opening round, followed by a 22-16 victory over the Glasgow Warriors last weekend.
Kelleher, who has played strongly for the French greats at No.9, spoke of the transition from top flight French rugby into the champagne European competition, and the reasons why Toulouse have perhaps not been firing at their reputable best.
"I just think we have been so used to playing the French style of rugby for the Top 14, and I know that it is a different game altogether compared to the Heineken Cup," Kelleher told an ercrugby podcast.
"I think we've really got to concentrate on our set phases first. We need our first two phases to get into the momentum of the game.
"I also think during the French competition, the new rules aren't refereed to the discipline that they are to that of the Heineken Cup, so it is taking some time for us to adapt to that.
"I think we've put some glimpses of the game together, and now we need to be more consistent and work on our set phases.
Looking ahead to Toulouse's next Heineken Cup challenge - against the Newport Gwent Dragons in December - Kelleher noted what improvements need to be made to really get their European season going.
"We're going to need to be more organized around our rucks and make sure we create momentum in our game," he added.
"With momentum comes rhythm, and with rhythm in our game, comes the confidence."
And on his side's aspirations of securing their fourth European title, Kelleher noted the importance of not thinking too far ahead.
"That's the goal that we really want to focus on [winning the Heineken Cup]," he said.
"But as has been my experience with the All Blacks, in competitions, I've realized that you have to concentrate on your next match and not on the future.
"Its about the preparation for the week, its about the next match that you play.
"It doesn't matter who you're playing; you just make sure that you prepared for it."
