Ryan gees up Gloucester

GLOUCESTER boss Dean Ryan insists his players will be “fully motivated” for tonight’s Heineken Cup clash against Leinster — despite having already made their European exit.

The Premiership play-off contenders cannot secure quarter-final status from Pool Two, while Kingsholm visitors Leinster need a bonus point victory to guarantee a home draw after clinching top spot one week inside the distance.

Ryan will be without the services of injured trio James Simpson-Daniel, Anthony Allen and Olly Morgan — all three players suffered knocks during last Friday’s defeat in Agen — but he still a parades a line-up containing eight internationals.

Ryan said: “In a game of last week’s intensity there are obviously some casualties, and we are not in a position to risk anyone at this stage.

“We have been involved in some extremely physical contests at the top end of Europe and the Guinness Premiership since the turn of the year, and these things happen.

“Nevertheless, we have a strong squad for what is an important game for us. Leinster have already won the pool, but we want to test ourselves against that calibre of opposition.

“Europe has been a lost opportunity for us this season, yet there is still plenty on the game tomorrow. There will be a capacity Kingsholm crowd, and we are fully motivated.”

Leinster welcome back Brian O’Driscoll and Girvan Dempsey for their west country mission.

“We know that our chances of progressing further will increase if we get a home quarter-final,” said Leinster coach Michael Cheika. “We are very motivated to manage our destiny, and we know that we have to peak on Friday night.”

Challenge Cup offers three intriguing fixtures.

Pool One will be decided when Premiership leaders Bristol host Bucuresti and Newport Gwent Dragons visit Bayonne, while Pool Two favourites Saracens will confirm a home quarter-final if they beat Hughenden hosts Glasgow.

Bristol and the Dragons are locked on 20 points, but the Welsh region’s superior try-count over two games against Bristol means they will finish above them should both teams win and collect the same number of match points tonight.