Cheika Wants Pack To Prove Doubters Wrong

…Michael Cheika fields questions at Wednesday’s press conference at the RDS…

Leinster coach Michael Cheika is banking on a big performance from his pack as they go head to head with a Toulouse eight, led by French captain Fabien Pelous, on Saturday.

Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference at the RDS, Cheika talked up Guy Noves’ side but also revealed that his forwards are in a determined mood to rubbish the notion that Leinster’s play solely functions off the back of numbers 9 to 15.

The amiable Australian said: “Toulouse are undoubtedly a good team – you don’t become a good one over night. You’ve got to be doing it regularly. We respect our opposition but we also understand that we’re a difficult team to handle.

“They have a lot of pace, not just on the extremities, but also in their midfield and in the back row also. It’s very important that we get it right (up front). We need to dominate them all over the park. Our pack is aware of the perception that exists with some pundits about them – and we want to prove those people wrong.

“We have to perform consistently. We’ve gotta keep doing it and doing it, and building on the aura that we are creating.”

Asked about his side’s lack of match preparation – Leinster had a ‘free weekend’ in the Celtic League last week and have not played competitively since their win over Connacht on March 5 – Cheika insisted: “Even though we haven’t played as much recently, it has not been a break for us. I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t perform as we might have (against Connacht), but overall, I’ve been quite happy with how our preparations have gone this week.

“I’m glad to have the international players back and the energy and enthusiasm that they have shown since they’ve been re-integrated into the squad has been exemplary.

“You could excuse them having a hangover, but they have all been very sharp in training. Okay, we mightn’t have the momentum coming into this weekend’s game, but we know that bit more about each other.

“We have a clear knowledge of how we want to play the game. The players are confident and everyone has bought into the one programme. I’m happy to rely on the players’ input.”

Leinster have met Toulouse on four previous occasions in the Heineken Cup – each time in the pool stages. Toulouse have won three of their meetings with Leinster’s best performance coming in the 40-10 win at Donnybrook in September 2001. Brian O’Driscoll (2), Gordon D’Arcy and Malcolm O’Kelly scored tries that day with Australian out-half Nathan Spooner kicking four conversions and four penalties. Trevor Brennan, who will line out for Toulouse on Saturday, was used a replacement by Leinster in the sides’ 2001 tussle.

This weekend’s clash with mark D’Arcy’s 100th appearance for Leinster – the 26-year-old centre has scored 199 points (37 tries, a conversion, a penalty and 2 drop goals) in his time with the province.