LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika admits Felipe Contepomi could make a sensational early return from injury for his side’s Magners League visit to Thomond Park next week.

IT could be the most important decision he makes this season so it was no wonder yesterday that Michael Cheika refused to reveal who would wear Felipe Contepomi’s vacant shirt for the Heineken Cup encounter with Pool Two leaders Agen on Saturday.

REPLACING the injured Felipe Contepomi is a daunting task, Michael Cheika admitted yesterday.

SINCE turning professional during the summer, Luke Fitzgerald simply hasn’t had time to sit and reflect on the heights he has reached in such a remarkably short period of time.

IT may seem like a strange claim to make just days after losing to the previously pointless Borders, but Michael Cheika firmly believes his Leinster side is already better than last year’s model.

Coach Michael Cheika has spoken about Leinster’s need “to maintain their consistency” this week as the province make a less than glamorous trip to The Borders in the Magner’s League on Friday night.

LEINSTER have finalised their squad to face Munster in tomorrow night’s Magners League clash at Lansdowne Road (Setanta Sports, 7.30pm).

JAMIE HEASLIP is confident Leinster can put their poor start to the season behind them this evening by recording a much-needed win against Connacht in the Magners League at the Sportsground (6.30pm).

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL looks set to lead a host of Ireland internationals into action for the first time this season after being named in the Leinster squad to face Connacht in the Magners League at the Sportsground tomorrow.

LLANELLI moved back to the top of the Magners League after holding off a spirited second-half fightback from Leinster at Stradey Park.

PROMISING full-back Danny Riordan — he will be 22 on Monday — has received a timely birthday with his inclusion in the Connacht side to play Edinburgh Gunners in the Magners League at the Sportsground tomorrow night.

BRIAN O’MEARA will be back in Munster colours this season for the first time in six years, having been drafted into the squad on a part-time basis as scrum-half cover.

Edinburgh Gunners 20 Leinster 14

FORMER Munster second row Trevor Hogan looks set to make his Leinster debut in the Magners League against Edinburgh Gunners at Murrayfield tomorrow night and has been praised by coach Michael Cheika.