Cronin: Leinster must fly out the blocks

The reigning GUINNESS PRO12 champions are preparing for a tense finish to the pool stage, sandwiched between English duo Harlequins and Wasps in one of the tightest groups in Europe.

With the other two facing off against each other, Leinster have the opportunity to significantly boost their quarter-final hopes with a bonus-point win against Castres.

They needed seven Ian Madigan penalties to bounce back from a slow start in the reverse fixture in October and hooker Cronin is desperate to see Leinster take charge of the clash this time around.

"The quicker we can get into the game and stamp our authority, we'll see what happens after that," he told the Irish Times.

"Whatever team they send over will be physical. We need to get the crowd into the game and see what happens from there.

"Earlier this season, we had no idea what team they'd put out, but they have a depth to their squad, in the front row, back row or centres.

"Castres have caused us a lot of problems and, as I said, the start is going to be pivotal."

Leinster are sweating over the fitness of skipper Jamie Heaslip, who returned to training on Monday after picking up an injury in their recent GUINNESS PRO12 clash with Ulster.

But Cronin admits, with or without their captain, that the Boys in Blue are eager to step up as the business end of the season approaches.

"We're not playing to our potential," he added. "The blueprint is there, the coaches are giving us what we need to do, we just need to execute.

"We're slowly getting there. We're just not quite there yet."

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