Rugby European CupMichael Cheika expressed quiet satisfaction with the victory over Gloucester. He wasn't oblivious to his team's shortcomings but by the very nature of the Heineken European Cup, there is little time for dwelling on matches.
This weekend Leinster travel to Edinburgh, an opposition they frequently find troublesome.
"We were very happy to get five points (against Gloucester) and the way the game was written up afterwards was probably a pretty accurate reflection of how the team feels," said the Leinster coach.
"We probably didn't play our best. We didn't really dominate the game or get into a rhythm but we were able to take our chances. We have quickly turned our focus to the game this week. We did a small review of the Gloucester match, and cup football is very much getting the preparation right for the game you have to play."
The Scottish side have improved over the last two years and would be considered genuine contenders in the pool. They were unlucky to lose away to Agen, a game in which they underlined the development of their patterns. Cheika approved: "They have both of those games in their arsenal. One of the main reasons why they're able to play the game in a slightly more direct fashion is a change in personnel.
"The inside centre (Rob) Dewey is a big, big guy. He got a lot of yardage on us in the first game, up the middle. We have got to be able to identify when they are varying between the two types of games.
"They've got some good threats out wide that we have to be able to control. They have both games, and they are changing up depending on what they need at any particular time in the match."
The Australian knows his charges can take a giant leap toward the playoffs if they win in the Scottish capital: "If we can win in Edinburgh we would put everyone else under pressure because they would then have to win and that's not easy up there.
"We know it's going to be difficult for us but it's an area that we can get a psychological edge on.
"We can put pressure on Edinburgh; we want to keep them down because I think they'll challenge in the pool right until the end. It's sort of a dual strategy, put them down and put pressure on the other teams."
Chris Whitaker and Cameron Jowitt are closer to being fit, but still not guaranteed to be available for selection.
"We were hoping to have them back last week but they're much more realistic possibilities for this match. Chris is into more full training and Cameron started yesterday."
Cillian Willis and Stephen Keogh certainly took advantage of the opportunity presented in starting against Gloucester. Strength in depth is so crucial to a team's aspirations in Europe, a fact Cheika acknowledged: "Stephen Keogh was a bit unlucky to get left out for the Munster (Magners League) game. It was hard for him but it was (also) a credit to him because he's taken it in his stride. He played well when he came on that night and he took his opportunity with both hands on the weekend in the Heineken Cup.
"For Cillian he's taken a stride towards where he wants to be as a footballer. He has a long way to go yet. We're trying to keep our squad as powerful as it can be whether we get injuries or not."
Rob Kearney returns to the extended Leinster squad having been omitted from the one prior to the Gloucester match.
The 20-year-old admitted: "Since I got the contract last year it's probably the hardest week I have had to take. Everyone gets something like this in their career at some stage. I'd be the first to admit that there is a slump in the form there.
"I'd never expect someone to make a team or a squad if they're not performing to the best of their ability. I see it as a good challenge to lift my game and a good motivation to get back and improve my game."
Cheika was taken with Kearney's reaction and that is why he restored him to the enlarged squad, which will be reduced tomorrow morning. He pointed out: "In a player's career there comes disappointment when you're left out. He (Kearney) didn't go away sulking and hiding in a corner.
"He bit off the disappointment, got back in the training and asked for extra work. He wants to be better and is a top quality player. I like the style and the way he's come back from it."
LEINSTER (squad): C Whitaker, C Willis, A Dunne, C Warner, F Contepomi, D Hickie, G D'Arcy, B O'Driscoll (capt), K Lewis, L Fitzgerald, S Horgan, G Dempsey, R Kearney, R Corrigan, B Blaney, H Vermaas, W Green, R McCormack, B Jackman, M O'Kelly, T Hogan, O Finegan, A Byrnes, S Keogh, C Jowitt, K Gleeson, J Heaslip.
