Leinster set season objectives
Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:09
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Magners League game, Leinster Defence Coach Kurt McQuilkin said that the squad are determined to get back to winning ways after the November international break.
Defending champions Leinster (4th position) will host the Newport Gwent Dragons (9th position) on Saturday, as the Magners League resumes after a month-long break.
"There have been a few 'A' fixtures over the last few weeks which have been good and we have got a lot of hard work done in the gym, so it's great to back to business as usual this weekend," said McQuilkin.
"A lot of guys put their hands up for selection this week after the 'A' games against Saracens, Bristol and the Ospreys. Players like Gary Brown, Simon and Stephen Keogh and Fergus McFadden did very well, while it was good to see CJ [van der Linde] and Stan Wright get a run last weekend.
"We'll be looking at players who are a bit versatile to come up to the Senior squad this week and Saturday will be a great opportunity to have a look at the new guys coming in.
"We know that we let ourselves down last time out against Glasgow. It was one of those nights when nothing ticked over for us. It's important that we try to implement a gameplan to counter the Dragons' attacking threat.
"They've run Wasps and Bath close recently and they will have taken a lot of confidence from their win up in Ulster and there's no doubt that they're a strong team who have definitely improved from last year.
"The league is our bread and butter and is still there to be won. The Heineken Cup is a sprint, whereas the Magners League is a marathon, and we know that as defending champions we have to show a bit more pride.
"We're as passionate as any other side when any of the boys put on that blue jersey. We can't afford to trip up."
Witht thanks to magnersleague.com
