Head-to-head

Johann Muller v Leo Cullen

PROFILES

Muller (31) was a part of South Africa’s World Cup win in 2007, Natal’s Currie Cup winning side in the same year and captained the Sharks’ Super 14 side (playing for them over 130 times) in 2008 and 2009 before moving to Ulster. Such was his impact, he was the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Ulster’s Personality of the Year last season.

Cullen (34) is a natural-born captain who was denied a treble with Leicester in the H Cup final of 2007 and is now on the verge of emulating Fabien Pelous as the tournament’s only three-time winning captain. Has played 172 times for Leinster and has represented his country at all levels, including 32 times for Ireland.

STRENGTHS

Muller: To start there is, literally, his strength, which comes to bear not only in close-in contact zones but, at 112 kg (17st 9lb), in his renowned scrummaging. To paraphrase Mike Ross, Tom Court can testify that the Afrikaner has new and interesting ways of compressing a loosehead’s spine. As a leader oozes calmness and authority and has almost single-handedly transformed the Ulster lineout from Achilles heel to source of strength.

Cullen: Not, in truth, the most athletic player on God’s earth though eh, with lifters, still salmon-like into the air. But a selfless workhorse and in providing Leicester-like winning mentality is a key man and in defending mauls has no peers. Hence Andy Robinson’s back-handed compliment last August: “We were playing one of the best stoppers of the driving ball in Mr Cullen, and with his mastery of the dark arts they were able to stop us.”

INFLUENCE

Muller: Possibly the more profound influence of the two. Calls the lineout, reliable go-to man at front of line, organises the restarts and captains the side. Oh, and is assistant forwards coach. In his 43 games for Ulster, has played the full 80 in all but four of them. Outstanding leader, drives standards on and off the pitch, and understands game well.

Cullen: Profound influence. Calls the lineout, reliable go-to man at front of line, organises the restarts, captains the side and marshals much of the close-in grunt and grind. Drives standards, another leader who will put his body where others fear to tread – witness all-out Clermont assault on him late on. Understands game.

LIKELY OUTCOME

Muller is the taller and more athletic and if Ulster are to win you’d have thought making inroads into Leinster’s primary source of possession would be key. Parity would probably benefit Leinster more.

JOHANN MULLER

DOB: June 1st, 1980.

Birthplace: Mossel Bay, S Africa.

Height: 2.01m (6'7").

Weight: 112 kg (17 st 8 lb).

Position: Lock.

Honours: South Africa (24 caps)

LEO CULLEN

DOB: Jan 9th, 1978.

Birthplace Wicklow.

Height: 1.98m (6'6").

Weight: 111 kg (17 st 6 lb).

Position: Lock

Honours: Ireland (32 caps).