The team may be in transition but the squad still contains considerable strength in depth with the likes of Springboks BJ Botha and Wian du Preez along with Irish internationals Donncha O’Callaghan and Denis Leamy.

IRELAND’S Six Nations defence will be shaped to a large degree by a daunting schedule that involves trips to Twickenham and Stade de France but Leinster would dearly love to ape that itinerary.

PRIDE, as well as pool points, will be a motivating factor for the reigning European champions when they play host to the Scarlets at the RDS tomorrow.