Cheika eyes change as Leinster ‘evolution’ gets underway

LEINSTER may have ended a run of near-misses and underachievement in glorious fashion by winning the Heineken Cup, but that will not stop Michael Cheika from imposing a change of playing style this season.

It all begins tonight at Parc y Scarlets (6.30pm) when Leinster open their Magners League campaign against a Scarlets side that celebrate the life and times of Ray Gravell by unveiling a statue in his memory.

Eyebrows might be raised at Cheika’s assessment that change is required, but the Aussie coach points to the departures of Felipe Contepomi, Chris Whitaker and Rocky Elsom as the reasoning for a new approach.