Lewis Keen For King Match-Up

…Kieran Lewis…

Kieran Lewis will relish the chance to test himself against Llanelli’s Regan King, one of the form centres in the Magners League, on Saturday.

Lewis is expected to retain his midfield partnership with Australian Michael Berne when the Leinster line-up is confirmed later today, but the duo could struggle to contain the rampaging King.

The New Zealander, who won his one and only All Blacks cap against Wales in November 2002, showed just how devastating he can be when coming off the bench last week against Connacht to score two clinching second half tries.

Lewis said: “King is a dangerous customer and someone we’ll have to monitor closely. But we’ve got a few things in mind to help us cope.

“I was on the wing when we played them there last season. I haven’t actually played centre against him before but I’ve see him play before and know how dangerous he can be. He’s an excellent ball runner, especially when getting the ball away in the tackle.

“The Scarlets have a particularly good midfield – it’s an area we’re really going to have to watch. We’ll have to show a high level of physicality and make sure when we’re putting in tackles, that we make them stick and don’t allow any offloads.”

Lewis, who turned 26 last month, has scored seven tries in 51 appearances for Leinster and despite some obvious overtures from Munster, he has remained a true blue.

He added: “(Moving away) it’s something I would have considered but when I weighed up the options, I was happiest to stay with Leinster. I think the set-up here is excellent and everyone can see the brand of rugby we play is the type I enjoy playing.

“Leinster was the best option for me, especially at present. I’ll have to weigh up the options at the end of the season again but last year I played plenty of games and hopefully that trend will continue.”