WHAT THEY SAY: GAVIN CUMMISKEYtalks to some of the legends of Leinster rugby before the big game

Conor O’Shea (former Leinster fullback)

Can Leinster maintain their quarter-final form, never mind the semi-final? Absolutely. I don’t think there is any doubt they will play to that level. So will Leicester, but looking at the man-for-man battle you have to fancy Leinster to win the match. Brian O’Driscoll seems to be on personal missions to win everything on offer this season.

What are Leinster’s main concerns or weaknesses? I’m not concerned by Johnny Sexton after what he did cold off the bench against Munster. Tom Croft will attack the lineout, but Leinster recovered from losing four or five lineouts against Munster. It’s something they have always had to cover and Mal and Leo will attack the Tigers’ throw. The scrum has come on leaps and bounds.

Eighteen months ago Leinster lost in Murrayfield to Edinburgh, a result that ensured Leinster didn’t get out of their European Pool. What has changed in the interim? It would be almost poetic for them to win it in at Murrayfield, it being their bogey ground. The camp never seemed to panic, even when they were not scoring tries before Christmas, but the Grand Slam seemed to have a knock-on effect for players like Jamie Heaslip (who has progressed to probably being a starting Lion). There is also the recruited Rocky Elsom who is truly immense.

Will Leinster win? Leicester are a strong team but without the fear factor of the Martin Johnson era. Alesana Tuilagi coming back in adds a serious threat to their backline as he is an absolute monster, while Geordan Murphy is imperious at the moment. You do hope Leinster go out and finish what they started. You look through their team and think, almost, how can they fail?

Ollie Campbell(Former Leinster outhalf)

Can Leinster maintain their quarter-final form, never mind the semi-final? That’s the big challenge. I think they can and the break they had last weekend is a benefit. It will require them to replicate the Munster performance. Anything less and they will lose.

What are Leinster’s main concerns or weaknesses? The Leinster lineout needs to be tightened up but it is an area Michael Cheika will have focused on.

Eighteen months ago Leinster lost in Murrayfield to Edinburgh, a result that ensured Leinster didn’t get out of their European Pool. What has changed in the interim? If I knew the answer to that I would be in Cheika’s job. The potential has always been there but so has a consistency question mark. That was answered with back-to-back victories over Harlequins and Munster. That’s when they turned the corner.

Will Leinster win? Leicester are the aristocrats of European rugby. They are serial trophy winners. It’s 50/50, but, yes, Leinster can win.

Victor Costello(Former Leinster number eight)

Can Leinster maintain their quarter-final form, never mind the semi-final? Before the semi-final people had question marks about Felipe, Bernard Jackman’s darts and Nacewa’s ability to cope with a big derby match. None of those issues are a concern anymore. I don’t think the Munster match was Leinster’s final. Guys like Brian O’Driscoll have stated they want to win medals. I think the squad will perform.

What are Leinster’s main concerns or weaknesses? Leicester will look at our lineout, no doubt about it. I was worried about Jackman’s throws until we lost him for a couple of weeks and realised just how effective he is around the pitch. It can’t be worse than staring down a lineout of O’Connell, O’Callaghan, Quinlan and Wallace. I wouldn’t be worried about Johnny Sexton either.

He is the natural successor to Ronan O’Gara.

Eighteen months ago Leinster lost in Murrayfield to Edinburgh, a result that ensured Leinster didn’t get out of their European Pool. What has changed in the interim? Early in the Munster game Felipe ran over O’Gara. He didn’t do it for us. He did it for himself. That’s what this team do now. They play for themselves, for each other. When Brian O’Driscoll scored that try against Munster he calmly walked back to half-way. If it was me I would be jumping into row Z. Their attitude is: the job isn’t done.

Will Leinster win? Leicester are a very regimental team. I think Leinster have that ability to close down games. I think they will win.

Eric Miller(Former Leicester and Leinster backrower)

Can Leinster maintain their quarter-final form, never mind the semi-final? Yes. I think the Munster game was a tipping point for them. The momentum gained from that was evident in the Scarlets game a week later. I can’t see them falling back down. The once-off performances are hopefully no longer a problem. I don’t think there is any coming back from here.

What are Leinster’s main concerns or weaknesses? Bernard Jackman definitely has to nail a few more of his throws. In saying that, Leinster still dominated possession and Leo Cullen is one of the best at analysing opposition lineouts. Along with Shane Jennings’ experience, they will identify Leicester’s weakness.

Eighteen months ago Leinster lost in Murrayfield to Edinburgh, a result that ensured Leinster didn’t get out of their European Pool. What has changed in the interim? It is strange. They hadn’t performed since Wasps at home and then suddenly they were almost perfect against Munster. Even against Harlequins their kicking game was off. Maybe after all their detractors over the years something had to give.

Will Leinster win? I think they are going to win, not comfortably, but by a few scores. They have it in the experienced stakes man for man.