Cheika addresses criticism over Castres

HANDS UP, to paraphrase Michael Cheika yesterday, Leinster accepted the majority of criticism that came their way in the aftermath of defeat in Castres that put qualification for the knock-out stages of the European Cup in doubt for the second season running, writes Gavin Cummisky

The Australian was equally quick to note the internal disappointment due to the performance, but it was the personal criticism from certain columnists that has been stored away by much of the Leinster camp.

The same old lines were wheeled out, basically questioning the underbelly of this team in crucial European encounters in recent times.

They could accept most of what was said. But certain opinion pieces were perceived as personal attacks that Cheika has found hard to stomach.

In the aftermath of victory over Ulster last Saturday, he said as much. When asked about it again yesterday, he sought to focus on Friday's visit of Connacht but did, to his credit, address the issue.

"I think there are some personal respect issues that need to be adhered to. That's just my personal opinion about some of the language, etcetera. That's the character of the person, I suppose.

"Obviously it's disappointing, but we are not above criticism. No one would have been more critical of that performance than us.

"I want to be critical of our performance as well. That's my job too. I've got to criticise and analyse performances, whether it is positive prose or negative prose, that's sort of what I do within the team, sometimes.

"You don't want to not acknowledge when you play poorly. We knew we played poorly and were very hard on ourselves. That's the main people that count. Us. When we feel bad about the way we play, that's the worst.

"It happens, and comes with professional sport. How you bounce back with it consistently is part of being a strong team with good self-belief. We got to keep growing as we move along."

It is quite simple really at this stage: the current Leinster squad must capture the main prize in Northern Hemisphere club rugby to eradicate doubts about them.

At least they are fast approaching full-strength. Leinster captain Leo Cullen is expected back in the engine room for the visit of Cardiff on January 10th, while the worst-case scenario for Girvan Dempsey (ankle) and Stanley Wright (knee) are no longer a concern.

Also, Bernard Jackman should be back training after a knee operation ahead of the hugely important European pool match against London Wasps on January 17th.

It gets better still as Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Shane Jennings and CJ van der Linde have been included in an extended squad - pending further medical reports - for the chance to avenge defeat to Connacht back in October. Then there is the return of Gordon D'Arcy, ending a 10-month absence due to a string of arm operations to produce an encouraging, 80-minute display in Ravenhill.

He even seems to have gained a yard of pace, or maybe that was just the extra space he unearthed coming off the wing. Either way, it is one of those nice problems for Cheika.

"It was quite a resilient, stubborn approach to getting back. He has never really panicked at any stage or had doubts about not getting himself back. I think he has shown a real strength of character with a minimum of fuss. No great complaints, in a very frustrating time, but I'm quite proud of him the way he came through and was able to play a full game after being out so long."

Michael Bradley's Connacht squad also enters a key period in their season with the confidence gained from defeating Munster potentially lighting a fuse that will eventually deliver a route into the Heineken Cup next season.

"We have a blast of five games in a row over this period, so yeah, there's a certain amount of squad management involved," said Bradley. "We've played Munster, Leinster next then Llanelli, before London Irish away and Dax at home.

"We can't win our group but we still want to qualify, so these last two games are important."

Gavin Duffy (knee), Seán Cronin (shoulder) and Ray Ofisa (back) - who all produced some heroic moments in the felling of Munster - are struggling to make the field this week.

Munster's main concern ahead of their January 3rd clash with Ulster at Thomond Park is captain Paul O'Connell due to medial knee ligament damage sustained against Clermont on December 13th.

They are also awaiting updates on all three hookers, Frankie Sheahan, Jerry Flannery and Denis Fogarty.

Meyer returns home on compassionate grounds

LEICESTER COACH Heyneke Meyer is to make a temporary return to South Africa on compassionate grounds.

A family illness has forced Meyer to travel to his home country, having led the Tigers to 11 wins and a draw in the opening four months of the season.

The length of Meyer's absence will be assessed over the next two weeks and will be kept under review, and Richard Cockerill will liaise with Meyer and lead the coaching staff in his absence.

The Tigers chief executive, Peter Wheeler, yesterday said: "Heyneke has made a big impression on everyone at the club since his arrival but we understand the situation he is in and we offer all of the support we can to him and his family."

FIXTURES: Today:Magners League: Cardiff Blues v Ospreys, Cardiff Arms Park. (Live Setanta Ireland). Friday:Magners League: Leinster v Connacht, RDS Showgrounds, 7.30 (Live on Setanta Sports 1). Saturday:Magners League: Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.30 (Live Setanta Ireland).