Cheika backs Berne despite Giteau bid

MICHAEL CHEIKA has declared his confidence in back-up out-half Shaun Berne despite admitting he had attempted to recruit fellow Australian Matt Giteau on a short-term contract last week.

The Leinster coach made his audacious but unsuccessful move for the Wallaby number 10 ahead of the upcoming Heineken Cup clash against the Scarlets after Jonathan Sexton had been ruled out with a hand injury.

“We had a bit of a look there,” said Cheika of the Giteau bid. “No doubt about it. A lot of people would say you have to have confidence in the players on your team. We have 100% confidence in everyone.