Cheika stresses positives of Whitaker's Leinster move

MICHAEL CHEIKA reiterated his commitment to nurturing Irish talent in the wake of Leinster signing Australian scrum-half Chris Whitaker from the NSW Waratahs in a two-year deal.

The lack of a concerted challenge for Peter Stringer's shirt has been of major concern since the Munster man's international debut against Scotland in February 2000, while the controversy over David Humphreys future has again highlighted similar concerns at out-half.

The arrival of a non-national at such a pivotal position is probably indicative of the shortfall in Irish options at the base of the scrum, yet Cheika believes Whitaker's arrival will prove to be positive for both Ireland and Leinster. "I understand there are issues in relation to bringing on Irish players and filling voids. There's also a situation where we want to produce the best team and ensure the other Irish players have the best infrastructures to work with.

"That's a balance. We've already identified young Irish players as you'll have seen from some of our selections - young (out-half Jonathan) Sexton and (second row) Toner, there's also (scrum-halves Cillian) Willis and (Matthew) D'Arcy in the Academy in half-back roles. I know that before I go I've gotta leave a pair of Irish halves or at least one at a level to compete in the first team."

With three scrum-halves in the senior squad, at least one will make an exit in the off-season. Both Brian O'Riordan and Brian O'Meara are out of contract this year but, whoever remains, Whitaker will be a hard man to bet against despite Cheika's claim that no-one is guaranteed his place. "The quality of this player was just something we could not say No to," the coach said. "We were lucky to be in the frame to get a player like that. He has leadership qualities. He's made a massive difference to New South Wales. They were always looked at as a bit of a softie team deep down - not softie, but they needed a harder edge - and Chris has given them that. He's got experience and skill as well. He's going to set a great standard for the other boys to chase."

Leinster are also looking into the possibility of adding two players to their squad as permitted by the ERC before the Heineken Cup registration deadline passes on March 9. A back-up out-half for Felipe Contepomi is believed to be top of the agenda.

Meanwhile, Reggie Corrigan, Denis Hickie and Girvan Dempsey have been included in the squad to face the Dragons on Saturday, as have Kieran Lewis, Jamie Heaslip and Ronan McCormack who earned 'A' caps in France last week. Lock Ciaran Potts comes back into the picture after injury.

LEINSTER (squad v Newport Gwent Dragons): Forwards: R Corrigan, B Blaney, W Green, B Williams, A Byrnes, E Miller, K Gleeson, J Heaslip, R McCormack, D Blaney, B Gissing, N Ronan, E Byrne, C Potts, D Toner.

Backs: G Easterby, F Contepomi, G Brown, J Hepworth, K Lewis, R Kearney, D Hickie, B O'Riordan, J Sexton, E Hickey, B Burke, B O'Meara, G Dempsey.