Cheika Wants More From Leinster

After watching Leinster secure a lacklustre first win of the season, Michael Cheika wants his side to adopt a harder edge.

Leinster coach Michael Cheika

After watching Leinster secure a lacklustre first win of the season, Michael Cheika wants his side to adopt a harder edge.

Leinster may have taken the spoils at Donnybrook on Saturday, winning 26-21, but a better team than the lowly Glasgow Warriors – who boast one away win in the last 12 months – would have burst the boys in blue’s bubble.

Leinster messed up their restart takes on four occasions allowing Glasgow to hit back with scores. Cheika’s men were left hanging onto a five-point lead after Scotland international Rory Lamont had pounced for Glasgow’s second try on the hour mark. A clinching third was just out of their grasp.

A classy kicking display from stand-in skipper Felipe Contepomi, who landed four penalties and converted Leinster’s two tries from Rob Kearney and Kieran Lewis, saved the home side’s bacon in the end.

Cheika said: “Glasgow played very well and they were very smart and put us under pressure. We’ve got to be better and harder on ourselves in games to come.

“Certain aspects of our play was good but the players know that I’m disappointed even though we won. The set piece was a lot better and the backs were good.

“Felipe was excellent and I was please with Kieran Lewis. We’ve a lot of work to do and I expect a big improvement next week.”

Leinster entertain the Newport-Gwent Dragons at Donnybrook next Friday (kick-off 7.10pm, live Setanta Sports).