Jimmy O'Brien confident Leinster can bounce back from Stromers hammering

Michael Bolton

Leinster's Jimmy O'Brien is confident Leinster can bounce back from their opening defeat to Stormers as they face the Bulls this Saturday.

Leinster's defence of their URC title could not have got off to a worse start as they suffered a heavy 35-0 defeat to the Stormers in South Africa.

It was also the first time in 17 years Leinster were held scoreless.

Although they were missing their Lions players, Leinster still had a team full of internationals.

Looking back at the game, the Leinster full-back says the Stormers' success in the air was frustrating for the backs.

O'Brien also says they must get used to the kick chase rules brought in last year, where the chaser cannot be blocked or obstructed from contesting an ariel ball, leading to more competition in the air.

"In the high ball, they were good for getting up and breaking the ball, we didn't get any scraps off them.

"With the new rules, it is very hard to win the ball cleanly, teams are getting up just to slap it back. You just have to be ready to win those scraps and bouncing balls.

"You just have to get better at getting up and winning the ball. It doesn't have a massive effect on how you play the game, you just have to get on with it and play better.

In a repeat of last season's final, Leinster will take on the Bulls, in what O'Brien sees as the perfect opportunity to bounce back.

A stadium always hard to get a result in, Leinster lost in the last kick of the game last season, and were also defeated in the 2024 URC semi-finals.

"We did a review of the game, it wasn't the best viewing. When you lose like that, it is tough to watch.

"It is not fatal, it is the first game of the season and a lot of games to be played. What better way to put things right by getting a win in Loftus and getting to play the Bulls in altitude.

"It is tough, I played there the last two years, the semi-final that we lost, and last year when we lost with the last kick of the game, which was pretty heartbreaking.

"Lads have been down here a few times, it doesn't get any easier, you just get more used to the feeling at altitude.

"After that final in Croke Park, they were probably frustrated with their performance on that day, so they were probably targeting this game to put things right for themselves."