Cheika's stable in fine fettle for two-horse finish

Celtic League: Leinster and Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll is expected to have a scan today on the knee he damaged in a Celtic League match at Firhill last Sunday.

He appeared to twist the joint in making a tackle during the game against the Glasgow Warriors and was replaced for the second half by Gordon D'Arcy.

The prognosis appears promising - he has been named in the squad for Sunday's game against the Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium. And coach Michael Cheika sounded upbeat on announcing the squad, suggesting only Cameron Jowitt (back) was likely to be ruled out.

Cheika teased out the ramifications of this weekend's league fare in what has become very much a two-team race for the title.

"It's between us and Ulster," said the Australian. "I don't think anyone else can catch us. I suppose it's come down to a semi-final and a final in one sense when you look at the last two matches. It's nice that we are two weeks away from the end of the championship and we're still in the race."

The vexed assertion that Leinster are seeking some sort of redemption after their European Cup semi-final defeat to Munster was once again dismissed.

"We don't see the negatives," said Cheika. "We see the positives in what we did in relation to the Heineken Cup.

"In your evolution you get to a point where you want to go all the way. We have spoken about that anger and disappointment and not taking the opportunity. We have another chance presenting itself. It's about building a bit more character, getting a few more scars together and being a better team for it.

"We have had so many opportunities to build our character at different stages of the year."

Ulster's abbreviated game time in April has taken the focus from them as potential winners. It's not to dismiss their chances of claiming the title, but the period of inactivity was something Cheika touched upon when speaking to Ulster coach Mark McCall at a recent A match between the provinces.

"He was saying that they haven't had a lot of continuity in terms of playing rugby and that it was difficult. (However) they have had consistency in their squad right the way through.

"Even during the Six Nations Championship a lot of their players were subbing so they were allowed to play games.

"They've obviously prepared well physically because they haven't had that many injuries."

Cheika expects the league race to go to the wire and praised McCall for his efforts this season.

"I think he's a good coach, a nice guy. He's always very respectful in his approach to the other team. I like his style. He likes our way, we like theirs. There is good respect there."

Touching briefly on the departure of Brian O'Riordan to Bristol, the coach explained the different demands they imposed on their halfbacks.

"We've changed aspects of our halfback play this year. When we got Chris (Whitaker) in I spoke to Guy Easterby because he's our club captain and we had a very adult conversation.

"He's happy for Chris to arrive as long as he gets a shot at the title. Brian O'Riordan has an opportunity to play in the English Premiership and we wish him well. We'll look at bringing in another scrumhalf - Cillian Willis, Matt D'Arcy and Derry Coughlan - from the academy over the summer. We'll have a look at it all and issue a development contract to the halfback we want to bring through."

Easterby (35), is content to stay on and fight for his place having been offered a one-year extension.

"We feel like something is building," he said. "Players have shown their intentions. People are not leaving here by choice, people are leaving because they have decided that coaches don't want them. I'd like to be part of it.

"I wouldn't stay for another year if I didn't think I was going to be competitive. I'm not going to be staying around just to sit on the bench or bring a young lad through. I think I've improved as a player this year. I'd hate to stop this year when I think I have something to offer next year."

Meanwhile, the Celtic League have confirmed Leinster's final game of the season, against the Edinburgh Gunners in Murrayfield, will be played on Friday, May 26th, kick-off 7.10pm.

LEINSTER: (squad) W Green, R Corrigan, R McCormack, E Byrne, B Jackman, B Blaney, M O'Kelly, A Byrnes, D Toner, N Ronan, K Gleeson, J Heaslip, E Miller, G Easterby, B O'Riordan, F Contepomi, J Sexton, G Dempsey, B O'Driscoll, K Lewis, S Horgan, D Hickie, G D'Arcy, R Kearney, J Hepworth.