Players’ Quotes: Cullen/Reddan

LEO CULLEN:

– ON THE SECOND TEST –

“Argentina is always a big challenge as they have some wonderful players. We can’t relax as Saturday’s match proved. The supporters in the stands won’t allow that.

“We have to show character and attitude in each play. The most important thing is to respect our way of playing, leaving our heart on the field and enjoying the match.

“This game is going to be the last of the season, ahead of the World Cup, so we’ll have to be careful and try to beat Argentina in every position on the field.

“(After the first Test defeat) the squad is in a pretty good form, so we know we’ll do our best on Saturday.”

– ON HIS TIME WITH LEICESTER –

“It is difficult to say if I’m a better player (after playing with Leicester). The experience of challenging yourself in a different environment, in rugby and non-rugby terms, is certainly an interesting experience.”

– ON PLAYING FOR IRELAND –

“It would be nice to get an opportunity on Saturday – I’m dying to play. Argentina are a big, strong physical team always, regardless of who they put out.

“Last Saturday I thought the boys did pretty well in the set-piece. The scrums and line-outs went pretty well. We will look to build on that for the weekend.”

EOIN REDDAN:

– ON BATTLING FOR THE IRISH NUMBER 9 JERSEY –

“I wouldn’t say it is frustrating (being out of the squad). I haven’t really felt aggrieved at any time. If I have been playing well, I have been picked. Last year, I got injured and my form wasn’t good at the start of the season. Isaac (Boss) and Peter (Stringer) were playing well and were picked.

“I am enjoying my rugby. If I get my chance and play well, we will see what happens. The more you play, the more you bring your own style to the game and players play off you.”

– ON POSSIBLY LINING OUT ALONGSIDE JEREMY STAUNTON –

“I made my debut for Munster with Jeremy (Staunton) and my debut for Wasps with Jeremy as well. I have played quite a bit professionally with him over the last two years.”

– ON HIS MOVE FROM MUNSTER TO WASPS –

“I had nothing to lose (by going to Wasps). It was a no-brainer. Thankfully, it has worked out very well for me.

“The mental side of the game is a huge part of rugby. My time with Munster made me aware of that. When I went to Wasps, I dealt with the competition and with being dropped on a much higher scale than I did at Munster.

“I wasn’t getting played (at Munster) and I probably didn’t approach it in the right way. I didn’t make the same mistake again. I feel stronger from my time at Munster. You know you can never take anything for granted.”