13-05-2025
Tyler Bleyendaal admits Leinster changing approach for remainder of URC campaign after learning Northampton lesson
TYLER BLEYENDAAL insists Leinster will attack the URC with minimal rotation and full-strength sides every week.
Leinster wrap up their regular season this Saturday when they host Glasgow at the Aviva Stadium before going into quarter-final action at the end of the month.
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Already assured of a No 1 seeding,
But attack coach Bleyendaal and the Blues are still reeling from the
The decision to leave
But having followed up that defeat by
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And he acknowledged that is also because they have next week off, having failed to reach the Champions Cup final for the first time in four years.
He said: 'The difference from past seasons is having the week off next week. It almost allows you to go stronger.
"Some guys will need rest and rotation. Other guys will come in to freshen up. Other guys we want for continuity.
'There will be a real balance around the selection but we know we've got a match, a weekend off and then we're into the play-offs.'
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And he highlighted how the 12 Leinster players selected by the Lions last week will be out to show their best form after the Champions Cup woe.
Bleyendaal added: 'It is great for Leinster. I don't think one poor performance should define those players and the season they've had.
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'Everyone was really pumped for them. The players will say themselves they don't want to take away from what Leinster are trying to do.
'But it is a massive achievement. It brought energy to the weekend and the match. There is a real drive from those guys to perform for Leinster.'
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He admitted Saturday's URC victory over the Italians has not eased the pain of the Northampton loss. He said: 'It was a disappointing result and a tough week for everyone.
'Everyone was feeling the pain and then we had the Zebre match to prepare for.
'It was low energy for a bit but it was nice to get back to take your mind off things and put your frustrations and disappointments aside.
'We just didn't have a good performance on a number of levels and we spoke honestly about that, the players spoke honestly. There was a real hunger to bounce back.
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'The players have spoken of how they have had losses in Europe in the past and bounced back but then not been able to carry on with that momentum.
'So that's where we're at, preparing for Glasgow after a decent performance at the weekend and the challenge for us is to build on our own momentum through the things we can do well.'
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The 34-year-old insists one letdown showing shouldn't definte their season
Leinster have often struggled after European defeats, losing to the Bulls in semi-finals in 2022 and 2024.
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They were knocked out by bitter rivals Munster the week before the 2023 European final when they fielded a weakened team with the Champions Cup in mind.
Bleyendaal added: 'The reality is there are many hungry teams trying to win the URC at the moment as well. We don't feel entitled or anything.
'We're going to have to work hard, we're going to have to be committed and try to learn and develop as a team.'
