Matt Williams
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Podcast Appearances
We know he had a little bit of time.
There's not much time left.
before you give a guy, put a guy in for a final.
So, again, these are situations that Leo Cullen has to manage.
But I would, you know, he also, we keep in mind, he got a lot of criticism last year for not playing Barrett, not starting Barrett in certain games, in big games and had him on the bench.
So I think that would be the case.
And it would also be the case that both the Bordeaux wingers, while they are lightning quick, they're not tall men.
And they're not noted for their ability in the air.
Now, if we cast our minds back to Ireland versus England at Twickenham, one of the main features that provided dominance for Ireland was their ability to win those aerial battles.
And I think that Leinster will take that and try and nullify the counter-attack of Bordeaux by that kicking game and by picking players that will contest in the air.
Huge, Matt, and that was something I was going to mention.
That must weigh on the Leinster selectors' mind whether they go with a 6-2.
You know, we look at the 5-3 and they've done it for so long, but I think that has to be in their conversation because can you afford, can that pack go for 80?
How many guys in that pack in that who can go for 80?
I mean, I played all my rugby in Australia and our pre-season games were in the heat like that and it is just ridiculous.
It is stifling.
And in that stadium, anyone who's been there, it's so high, Matt, that there's no wind.
There's not a breath of wind going to get in.
It's going to be so still.
And with 60,000 bodies around you, it's going to be incredibly uncomfortable for both sides.