Champions Cup: Richard Wigglesworth believes Leinster have ‘got to go and win it’
Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Wigglesworth insists Leinster have “got to go and win it” after they dismantled his side in Dublin on Friday.
Leinster showed their class with a stunning 55-24 win to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup.
Jamison Gibson-Park, Scott Penny, Jimmy O’Brien, and John McKee all scored for the Irish side, whilst Garry Ringrose bagged a brace in a powerful performance from Leo Cullen’s men.
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Must win it
In recent times Leinster have only managed to win the Champions Cup in 2018 despite some good showings, and Wigglesworth believes with their home advantage the side needs to claim the title.
“They have earned their home advantage and with the fans here it will take a special team to beat them, but they have only won it once in 11 years,” Wigglesworth said.
“So there has been teams that have popped up and beaten them. They’ve got to go and win it.”
Leicester hung in the first period to stay within striking distance but were blown away in the second half. Wigglesworth feels part of the reason there was such a gap is the restriction of the salary cap in the Premiership.
“30 points, big enough gulf,” he admitted. “Leinster were the better team today, an outstanding team who are quite rightly favourites to lift the trophy.
“One, they are an outstanding team with quality internationals and quality coaches that have been together a long time.
“None of that is in question, but the gulf is in what you have available to spend. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong. I’m not asking to spend more money. I’m just being clear.”
Injury toll
In the Leinster camp, the result came with some injuries with Ryan Baird and James Lowe leaving the field injured during the clash.
“Ryan with his shoulder, I’m not sure exactly, but we’ll see,” said Cullen. “Hopefully he’s not too bad. But we’ll see how that settles down.
“James Lowe went off with his calf as well, so we will see how he is. That’s the challenge isn’t it? Physical games. You have to be able to deal with that.
“It’s a 23-man game and I thought our guys, the bench all added in their different ways, which was good. Overall we are pleased to be through to the next round.”
Meanwhile, head coach Cullen heaped praise on Ringrose, who put in a blockbuster performance on the night.
“He was phenomenal really, wasn’t he? His ability to beat defenders, some of his lines of running. He was exceptional, I thought,” he added.