We won't gamble on Sexton, says Cheika

Leinster will confirm this afternoon whether Jonathan Sexton will start tomorrow's Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulouse.

Sexton fractured his jaw in the 29-28 victory over Clermont three weeks ago and, while he has undergone intensive treatment since, his participation at the Stade Municipal is doubtful.

The 24-year-old Ireland fly-half has been given every opportunity to prove he is ready with Shaun Berne set to deputise should he fail to recover.

Coach Michael Cheika insists Leinster will not take a gamble on the decision and will only select Sexton if he can perform at full throttle.

"The only way that he Sexton will be playing is if we feel that he can do his job to the fullest," said the Australian.

"If we have to play him and hide him out the back, or something like that, then he won't be playing.

"If he can, and if he's confident 100% that he can play, then he'll play. If not, Shaun will play.

"We have a lot of confidence in Shaun. Isa Nacewa has also played there (at fly-half) before.

"I'd say we're pretty comfortable with both situations. If he plays, fantastic.

"If he doesn't, then we'll look at the option and it's pretty much certain that we'll have him available for the rest of the year."

With or without Sexton, the champions are expected to see their Heineken Cup defence ended by tournament favourites Toulouse, who are gunning for a fourth title.

Leinster stunned the French giants 41-35 four years ago in one of the competition's great encounters but captain Leo Cullen admits few people are backing them to revisit that spectacular upset.

"I think there is a feeling... I certainly sense that people aren't giving us much of a chance. That's a new sensation for some of us," he said.

"The way you get asked questions you can sense the way people feel about things.

"I suppose that makes you a bit more determined about things. As a team I think we are well capable of travelling.

"It is always a nice feeling when you get written off and we certainly feel we have a point to prove still."