Kidney conscious of pack threat

Munster coach Declan Kidney denies Leinster can be targeted up front in tomorrow’s Heineken Cup semi-final at Lansdowne Road.

Traditionally Munster have fielded a more rugged set of forwards and currently supply six of Ireland's Test pack, drawing favourable comparisons with their rivals at Leinster.

But Kidney cites Leinster’s 41-35 victory over Toulouse in the quarter-finals as evidence Brian O’Driscoll’s side have a steely edge in the tight.

“The Leinster pack is a formidable unit. They only lost Malcolm O’Kelly to the Six Nations so they have been able to maintain that,” he said.

“Perhaps they had a few problems against Toulouse in the quarter-finals, but overall they outplayed them and are very strong.”

Munster’s gameplan will be based around their pack, with Ronan O’Gara kicking to the corners where they can pound away at Leinster’s resistance.

But should Leinster win enough ball, they possess the game-breakers in O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy and Shane Horgan to rip Munster to shreds.

Much will depend on how Felipe Contepomi performs but coach Michael Cheika is happy the gifted Leinster fly-half is in the right frame of mind approaching one of the biggest games in Irish rugby history.

“Felipe’s in a pretty good place as far as his head is concerned. He is very confident and he’s also just had a little kid,” said Cheika.

“His commitment to the game is unwavering and you’ve always got confidence when he’s going out on the field for you.”

The intense rivalry between Munster and Leinster guarantees a ferocious contest with the consequences of defeat unthinkable for both provinces, but Cheika remains unaffected by the tension.

“(Assistant) David Knox and I have a bit of an advantage because we’re foreigners,” said the Australian.

“We leave ourselves out of all the hype and we’re keeping our focus on performing and winning. We don’t have historical baggage and to be honest it’s all about performing tomorrow.”

In tomorrow’s other match, Newcastle face London Irish in their European Challenge Cup semi-final at Kingston Park.

Falcons full-back Matthew Burke expects a close encounter with the Exiles, who are also chasing honours in the Guinness Premiership.

“They’re a difficult team to attack against because they fly up in defence,” said the former Wallaby.

“Both times we’ve played them this year there has only been a few points in it. One was a high scoring game up here that we lost and then the rematch was 9-6 to us down in Reading back in February.”