Thorburn and Williams give their reaction to Leinster win

Both coaches comment on the Heiniken Cup match in Donnybrook

Peter Thorburn, Head Coach Bristol, was not pleased with the outcome of the game.
‘The disappointing thing was the inability to set a proper scrum and a misunderstanding of what was going on , what Leinster were doing. We didn’t play well enough, and our inability to keep the scrum square. Officials have to understand what is happening, you can turn the scrum.’

Commenting on the kicking tactic used, he said: ‘I think it was the right tactic. It allowed us to put a lot of pressure on from that. The Leinster defence is very good and a team doesn’t break though on first phase at will.’
‘Leinster are a good side – all internationals basically, they have a big back line. They played very well tonight and they will be hard team to beat.’

Matt Williams, Leinster Head Coach, hopes that that will hold true. He was happy with his team’s performance but thought that they relaxed a bit too much for comfort.
‘ To be fair to Bristol, when victor scored his try we played very well for 15 minutes and the guys thought they had one and took the foot off the pedal. You cant give anything away in the European cup, especially posession.
When went to ten point lead agan we relaxed again.’

Commenting on the scrum, he said: ‘I thought hey were under pressure in the scrum, that’s part of the rules, I thought that our guys behaved well, waited till the ball went in and then its up to the players.’
He praised Costello, man of the match. ‘Victor is playing the beast rugby of his career. He is quick off the scrum , gets the breaks, did some great driving tackles and got a fantastic try.’
Leinster look forward to the next test in the Heiniken Cup.