Bernard Jackman: Attacking regression costs Leinster dearly once again on a disappointing day for Irish rugby
Andy Farrell will need to lift the morale of his internationals for South Africa tour after Blues and Munster fall at URC semi-final stage
James Lowe and Leinster threw everything they had at the Bulls but they came up against a well-organised and disciplined defence. Photo: Sportsfile
The last thing players see before they leave the tunnel and enter the field at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria is: ‘Altitude 1350m. It Matters’. Well, it looked like it mattered to the Leinster players in the first half yesterday in their URC semi-final clash with the Bulls. Leinster have been excellent all season at starting fast but inaccuracies with their handling and passing meant they couldn’t impose any significant pressure and had to resort to a kick battle.
Trying to out-kick the Bulls in their back garden is a risky strategy. The home side were able to win those kicking bouts and forced Leinster into a couple of goal-line drop-outs which are actually as good as having a set-piece in the opposition half.
