Cheika reluctant to gamble on Nacewa

LEINSTER coach Michael Cheika has ordered Isa Nacewa to wrap himself up in cotton wool to ensure his availability for Heineken Cup action against Llanelli Scarlets on Saturday week.

Accordingly, there is no sign of Nacewa in the Leinster squad for Sunday’s Magners League clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade (5pm). In the absence of the injured Jonathan Sexton the out half berth will go to Shaun Berne, with youngster Ian McKinley likely to provide the back-up.

Sexton’s loss for a month is bad enough, but Cheika clearly believes that the champions could hardly survive a Heineken Cup challenge against the Scarlets without Nacewa on board.