Miller returns to challenge for place on Irish team

ERIC MILLER is back to challenge for a place on the Irish team, but more importantly Leinster coach Matt Williams is delighted to have him available for the province in Montferrand tomorrow.

Miller has recovered from injury and Williams claims it is a huge boost as Leinster go in search of a third successive Heineken Cup victory this season.

“This could be the defining weekend for all four teams in our group.

“We have two wins to our credit but we need a third. If we get that, I reckon we can go on to secure a place in the quarter-finals.”

Even though Leinster are the current Celtic League champions, having beaten Munster in last year’s decider, there is still a little bit of envy about Munster’s achievements in the last three seasons.

“I wouldn’t quite call it that. Munster have been to the forefront of all the Heineken Cup activity and they deserved to win at least one of the two finals they appeared in.

“That they didn’t do so does not make them a bad side. From our point of view, it’s all about proving that another Irish side can go out there and do the business.“Leinster have performed well away from home in England and Wales but not quite so well in France.

“It is a question of getting down to basics against Montferrand and proving to ourselves that we can go to France and win.

“Montferrand have not always been the best away from home. I suppose you could tag the French a bit crazy when it comes to playing outside of France but they have a proud record at home. I believe they have won all but one of their home matches this season and it will be a tough ask of Leinster to secure the points.

“Having said that, I have never seen such a highly motivated bunch of players as I have this week.

“The availability of Eric, a world class player at his best, is a major boost and we have built up a lot of international experience amongst the squad.

“I could not have asked for anything more of the squad in the last week or so. They know what they have to do to get that all important result and I know they have the talent to do so.”

Williams admitted that Leinster had followed the Munster lead by chartering an aircraft for the trip to France and ensuring that the players had the easiest access to the destination.

“It also helps that there will be a big number of supporters travelling with us. I think that is an important issue that Munster have emphasised over the last few seasons.”

It will not be an easy task, he insisted. “The important thing from my point of view is that we win and can look forward to two home games from our last three. It still won’t be easy but that certainly would be a bonus.”

LEINSTER: G. Dempsey, D. Hickie, B. O’Driscoll, S. Horgan, G. D’Arcy, C. Warner, B. O’Meara, R. Corrigan, S. Byrne, E. Byrne, M. O’Kelly, L. Cullen, E. Miller, V. Costello, K. Gleeson.