Tadhg Furlong On The Difference Between PRO12 & European Rugby

Knockout rugby returns to the Aviva this weekend as Leinster host Wasps in the quarter final stages of the Champions Cup.

The eastern province had a disappointing campaign last year, failing to get out of their pool, losing both home and away to this weekend’s opponents Wasps.

Leinster however are a different animal this season. They rock up to the Aviva on Saturday, top of the PRO12 and having finished top of the group in the Champions Cup. A lot of that is down to the emergence of young talent such as Tadhg Furlong.

The tighthead as bursted on the scene this season, starring for both club and country and now nailed on for Lions selection. The Wexford native however, is aware of the difficulty of the task at hand this weekend, coming up against Premiership leaders Wasps.

When it comes to the PRO12 and European rugby, Furlong says theres that added fear in Europe, not knowing your opposition.

“You have that bit of fear,” he told RTÉ Sport.

“Obviously we don’t know Wasps especially well, we don’t scrummage against them twice a year like we would in the Pro12.

“Sometimes you are looking into the black hole a bit, not knowing what it’s going to bring.”

Furlong has kept in contact with former teammate Marty Moore, who he’ll be packing down against this weekend.

“There’s definitely a focus put on it where if they can get dominance, they’ll absolutely go for it,” he said.

“Talking to Marty a small bit, he says it’s very attritional. You’re tested every week in the Premiership.

“They are battle-hardened and we’re going to have to be up to the task.”