Cheika pleased as understudies make strong challenge

WHILE his “galacticos” had been labouring at the Rugby World Cup in France, Michael Cheika’s set of replacement backs have been cutting a swathe through the first two rounds of the Magners League.

The eye-catching form of Gary Brown — who wins his 50th Leinster cap tonight — Luke Fitzgerald, Robert Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Ross McCarron and Jonathan Sexton left Cheika admitting this week that selection will be “tough to manage” when Brian O’Driscoll and company return for duty.

Buoyed by their bonus point 30-19 win in Arms Park last week, Leinster will be favourites to overcome Llanelli Scarlets at the RDS tonight (7.30pm). Cillian Willis comes in for his first start of the season at scrum-half in place of the injured Chris Whitaker. Up front, Argentina international Juan Francisco Gomez starts at prop with Keith Gleeson coming into an all Ireland international back-row alongside Shane Jennings, at six, and Jamie Heaslip.

A decision on skipper Leo Cullen’s fitness will be made closer to kick-off.

The spring in Leinster’s step is best exemplified by the nimble-footed Fitzgerald. Last November the 20-year-old former Blackrock College student was tipped to go to the 2007 RWC, but his development has arguably been better served by getting good value game-time at wing and centre in the Magners League.

“I think the more game time Luke gets the better,” acknowledges Cheika. “He came on with a bit of a splash last year, started learning the ropes and was jabbed around a bit. But now he’s getting some consistent game time and he’s been able to flick between the wing and the centre for us. He ended the game last week in the centre so it’s all great experience for him.

“He got two tries last week and if he can keep hitting that strike-rate then we’ll be very happy with him. I think regardless of Denis Hickie’s retirement, Luke, Rob Kearney, Ross McCarron and Gary Brown all want a spot on the team. It’s tough for us to manage.”

Cheika remained tightlipped on the exact return date of his senior international stars, but wants to make sure they’re “right and focused” when they do. He said O’Driscoll and others stayed in contact with him during the World Cup, revealing “they were straight on by text on Friday night to find out how we did away from home”.

Cheika is also delighted with the progress of out half Jonathan Sexton and hinted Felipe Contepomi may play at 12 — a position he is filling at the World Cup — upon his return to the Leinster colours.

LEINSTER: R Kearney; G Brown, F McFadden, C Warner, L Fitzgerald; J Sexton, C Willis; J Francisco Gomez, B Jackman, S Knoop; T Hogan, L Cullen (capt) / D Toner; S Jennings, K Gleeson, J Heaslip.

Replacements: B Blaney, S Wright, D Toner / C Healy, C Jowitt, S Keogh , C Keane, R McCarron.

LLANELLI SCARLETS: M Stoddart; G Evans, R King, G Evans, M Watkins; R Priestland, L Davies; P John, J Hayter, D Manu; V Cooper, A Eustace; J Bater (capt), J Edwards, D Jones.

Replacements: I Thomas, K Owens, L Reed, G Thomas, G Cattle, J Davies, N Brew.