Kearney: ‘Leinster must tackle adversity’

Editor

Leinster full-back Rob Kearney says the side are more determined than ever to defeat Toulon when the two sides meet this weekend.

Toulon handed the Irish giants their third straight loss in the Champions Cup this season at the Stade Mayol.

That result leaves Leinster all but out of the competition before the knockout stages, but Kearney knows that Toulon aren't invincible.

For the 29-year-old, this weekend's clash in Dublin will be a test of character for the Leinster squad.

"It is tough, it is difficult. They're three-times reigning European champions. The chances are we are out of Europe. But it's nice to get another crack at them. First, to see if they are beatable," Kearney told the EPC Rugby website.

"We do need to beat them, they are beatable. But they are hard to beat at the same time. I mean, you can go 15 or 20 phases against them and they will just back one of their poachers, just to get over a ball and steal. But there are any opportunities against them and there will be more this weekend. We just need to take them."

"When you're capable of a certain standard and you're not producing, it is frustrating. If you are a mediocre team, and you're playing mediocre, sometimes that can be a bit easier to take. When you're not fulfilling what you have, the talents you have, it is frustrating. That is why it's all about performance this week.

"We've lost three on the bounce in Europe. We've never done that before. It is an opportunity for people to step up too. We are in a tough time. There is a little bit of adversity there, in terms of the European performances. You need characters to stand up. There is big onus on us as players for the weekend."