Schmidt preaching caution

JOE SCHMIDT is intent on delivering silverware at the end of a season of promise after just his first season as Leinster coach.

The New Zealander is looking at not one but two possible prizes and if that makes life miserable for Ulster and Munster, then so be it.

The Heineken Cup finalists are also just 80 minutes away from a second decider, with the possibility to avenge a recent Magners League defeat by Munster on the agenda.

“Right now, it’s a great position to be in because when you go on holiday early it’s never quite the same,” he said. “It is never the same when you’re not still in the fight. We’re still in the fight and we’re home in the semi-final which is a massive thing for us. Four or five weeks ago we didn’t think that was going to be the case, a few other results went our way and we helped ourselves as well to keep our scoreboard ticking over.”

But the Kiwi dares not assume they are guaranteed a Leinster double and warned his charges not to lose concentration at this crucial stage of the year.

“There is a risk of taking an eye off the ball. Some of the guys who played against Glasgow on Friday night probably weren’t as good as they needed to be and they certainly weren’t as good as they will need to be this Friday.

“Maybe they were looking a little bit further ahead than we were entitled to. I think we ironed that out in most places in the second-half but I don’t think we can be waiting until half-time to be ironing ourselves out against a quality side like Ulster.”

The mere mention of Ulster could, it appears, put the sweats on Schmidt, based on the fact that it is an Irish derby and they (Ulster) made considerable strides this season.

“It’s not an accident that they finished as high as they did. They’re a good side.

“Neither side needed to win that match. But now we do, because it’s knock out now, you don’t go further than that if you don’t win.

“Ulster were more tentative last time, coming back off a loss to Northampton, and we were probably on a bit of a high after beating Leicester, so our enthusiasm and momentum going into the game was probably better than theirs.

“But the momentum changed and they will take some confidence from that; with that confidence and quality of players there will be come trepidation for our guys. It’s all to play for.”

Meanwhile the squad trained yesterday in the RDS reporting no fresh injury concerns.

Leo Cullen, Sean O’Brien, Brian O’Driscoll, Eoin Reddan and Heinke van der Merwe are all in contention for selection after being rested.

O’Driscoll, should he play, will do so for the 150th time in Leinster colours.