Nov 30,2024
Captain Jack Conan hailed the impact of Rabah Slimani after Leinster dug out a hard-fought victory over Ulster in the URC.
The former France international was making his fifth appearance for the club since signing from Clermont last summer
The 35-year-old tighthead was to the forefront as the Leinster pack got the better of their hosts, forcing a number scrum penalties among a total of 13 conceded by Richie Murphy's side in the 27-20 defeat.
Slimani, who has 57 France caps, was replaced by Rory McGuire in the 71st minute as Leinster returned from a four-week break to extend their lead at the top of the table.
"He's been an unbelievable addition around the place.
"He's a fantastic character, he's a great man, very easy going, loves his bit of football. Zidane is his favourite footballer so he's always out kicking a football around.
"You love to see him go to work in the scrums there, he absolutely lives for it, and he was unbelievable today for us.
"I think he got through 60, 70 odd minutes, which at 35-odd years of age it's pretty good going.
"I'm delighted for him, he obviously hasn't played in the last two weeks so to slot back in and be as impressive as he was was fantastic, exactly what we needed coming up here.
"We know how good Ulster's set-piece is so it was brilliant."
Leo Cullen’s side trailed at the break with Luke McGrath’s try and five points from the boot of Ross Byrne keeping them in touch.
However, Ulster ran out of steam in the second period as Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien and James Culhane all scored tries.
"We started unbelievably slow, you could see that we had a few weeks off," added Conan (above).
"I know a few lads have played those 'A' games, but I think we just looked a little bit flat, lacked a bit of energy, and weren't overly clinical.
"We got the juices flowing a little bit more in the second half and we got into a bit more but unbelievably sluggish to start.
"Fair play to Ulster, they stayed in it, but you know we owed them one from last year, they beat us home and away last year so it was a massive week for us."
Leinster, who will be able to welcome back a sizeable contingent from Ireland camp after Saturday’s final Autumn Nations Series game against Australia, face Bristol Bears and Clermont in the opening two rounds of the Champions Cup over the next fortnight.
"It's great to be back playing," said Conan, who was injured before the international window, "and hopefully now we can springboard into Europe the next two weeks.
"All the boys come back after tomorrow so yeah, it's great, this is exactly where we wanted to be.
"It's good to be back and it's always great to captain Leinster, this is my fourth time doing it I'm loving it so it's been brilliant."
