Casey looking forward to Leinster challenge

London Irish captain Bob Casey is looking forward to tackling his old province Leinster in the Heineken Cup on Friday night.

The Exiles face the Heineken Cup champions at the RDS six days after the province trounced arch rivals Munster 30-0 in the Magners League.

Casey said: "Naturally there has been plenty of banter already and I'm sure there will be a lot more in the lead up to the game in Dublin."

"I know Leo Cullen really well - we roomed together in school so we're good mates - and he has been fantastic for Leinster.

"I think there has been a big difference with him and Shane Jennings going back there and I think they have really improved the Leinster set-up. They certainly deserved to win the Heineken Cup - and they did it the hard way.

"It is great to know that you can win big things playing that way, an entertaining, running style of rugby. But you've got to remember that Leinster's defence is probably what won them the Heineken Cup. They've got a phenomenal defence.

"We had the best defence in the Premiership last year and, if we're going to win things, our defence is going to have to be the same, if not better than last season".

Leinster coach Michael Cheika insists last year’s Heineken Cup victory would not make his squad complacent when they face London Irish in their first tie of the tournament.

“When it comes to Friday night we’re both going to be starting at zero and it’s about who plays better that night that wins,” he said.

The Australian, now in his fifth season in charge of Leinster, said London Irish were an aggressive team with amazing attacking powers.

“We just have to be really honest and work as hard as we can.

The Exiles currently sit second in the Guinness Premiership, a point behind Saracens, after winning four of their five games so far.

“It’s a home game so we’ve got to do our best in front of our fans and just be hungry to get in their face as much as possible,” he added.