Cheika calls on Leinster to remain focused

THEIR heads may be in the air, but the feet are firmly on the ground in the Leinster camp following the sensational Heineken Cup victory in Toulouse last Saturday.

Coach Michael Cheika prepares a 25 man squad for a Celtic League battle against Border Reivers tomorrow night, and will insist on more of the same commitment and skill that secured that famous victory in the south of France.

“The Celtic League is our bread and butter tournament and we have got to keep that in mind as we prepare for a different type of challenge in Scotland,” he declared yesterday.

The celebrations following the Heineken Cup game had to be curtailed. Cheika explains: “First and foremost we have this very important fixture in Scotland, but there are areas we need to improve on. We’re happy, but not smug.

“This is a much different preparation than the game in Toulouse. We had two months build up to that; this time it’s about four days.

“The Celtic League is very important to us, we’re committed to doing well and we have to make sure to put our best foot forward,” he said.

Yet, even though Leinster stunned everyone with their performance in France, Cheika believes the final pool game victory over Bath was even better.

“I don’t want to throw a wet sack on it, but we were more complete in England. We built more phases in that game whereas last week we were just hitting out and striking in ones and twos. That’s something we have to work on to improve upon,” he said.

But Cheika was still happy with the win and the mood in the camp. “The guys are really focused and seem to be enjoying themselves. I think we’re doing well as a group off the pitch and, hopefully, that will translate to results on the pitch,” he added.

But the Leinster boss is conscious that Reivers have every reason to want victory in this one.

“It will be a real test for our guys. Reivers will have looked at our result in France and they will want to bring us down to earth.

“They will see us as a target, but we want to win the Celtic League as much as the Heineken Cup. Therefore, we have to keep performing,” he said.

Cheika is in no doubt that it will be a tough struggle. “We haven’t performed at our best away from home this season and now face three away games against Scottish opposition. We have to learn to win there as well, if we are serious about winning the title.

“I want focus, I want concentration from the players. A lot of things might look after themselves through pure talent and ambition but these ingredients are also necessary to ensure success.”

All of the Toulouse heroes are included in the 25 strong Leinster squad, although Gordon D’Arcy may miss out with a knee injury, although Cheika is confident he will be available.

The three extra players from last week’s squad of 22 are Emmet Byrne, John Hepworth and Gary Brown.