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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Leinster boss Leo Cullen looks to take down table-toppers Edinburgh after late Cardiff disappointment

Leo Cullen wants the last-gasp loss in Cardiff to propel Leinster to three home victories in a row - starting against URC table-toppers Edinburgh at the RDS.

Leinster have to wait until Friday fortnight at the RDS to make amends for their 29-27 defeat to the Blues.

"It was a tight game and then it comes down to some tight calls at the end," said Cullen.

"We have to be better to be out of sight, really, but we knew it was going to be a tough challenge for this group that hasn't played for a while.

"It's hugely frustrating for the group - they've put a fair bit into the week, to come away with a loss is hugely disappointing."

Cullen, who handed a debut to second row Joe McCarthy at the weekend, wants to turn that emotion into a positive with Edinburgh, who are four points ahead of fourth-placed Leinster but have played a game more, next up.

Joe McCarthy of Leinster on the attack against Cardiff (©INPHO/Lewis Mitchell)

"Hopefully we'll get a good crowd in and as painful as this loss is, hopefully it propels us and drives us forward.

"It's looking very, very congested at the top of the table and we're making sure we'll battle for every point available in the coming weeks.

"For us, it's to get that buzz of playing in front of our own fans again."

Will Connors had to withdraw before half-time and the Ireland flanker's hopes of a late Six Nations call-up could be in jeopardy after he recently returned from long-term injury.

"Wil looked to get a bang on the knee so we'll see how he is over the week," added Cullen.

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