Leinster boss Leo Cullen has taken a page out of Rassie Erasmus’ playbook by hybridising a veteran member of the team ahead of Saturday’s match against the Sharks.
Erasmus values Springboks who can play multiple positions, or hybrids. He has used Kwagga Smith as a flanker-wing, Deon Fourie on the flank and hooker, Marco van Staden as hooker cover and Damian Willemse across the backline.
Easily the most successful is André Esterhuizen, who has starred in the midfield and loose forward, allowing Erasmus greater flexibility with his bench splits.
Now, Cullen and Leinster are ready to deploy Ireland international Robbie Henshaw in a dual role for this weekend’s URC clash at Kings Park.
MORE: Vusi focused on taking charge, not Leinster
Henshaw, who has 85 Test caps, starts at inside centre but will provide back-row cover after injuries to Scott Penny and Max Deegan left Cullen short of options.
The head coach said Henshaw had already performed the role for Leinster last season, albeit without specific preparation, but has been given time to work on it this week.
“We’ve seen Robbie do that role for us last season without really any prep. This week we’ve actually managed to get a bit of prep into him,” Cullen was quoted by RTÉ Sport.
JP: Returning Boks keen to get stuck in
Brian Deeney can also cover at No 6, giving the Irish giants further flexibility from a bench containing only one other specialist forward outside the front row.
“Sometimes when you’re on tour, it’s needs must,” Cullen added. “It’s good for the group, I think. It sets us up well for the season, hopefully.”
The URC champions seek their first win of the 2026-27 campaign after a 27-26 defeat by the Lions last week.
Photo: @leinsterrugby/X
The post URC champs copy Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Leinster boss Leo Cullen has taken a page out of Rassie Erasmus’ playbook by hybridising a veteran member of the team ahead of Saturday’s match against the Sharks.
The post URC champs copy Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
