In Pics: Leinster Press Conference
Click here for photos from Leinster’s mid-week press conference, ahead of their crunch Celtic League clash with leaders Munster on New Year’s Eve.
Pictured above: Leinster coach Michael Cheika talking to the press on Wednesday. The Australian has named a 28-man squad for Saturday’s visit of Munster to the RDS. It’s a mouth-watering fixture in prospect with over 10,000 tickets already sold. Cheika, buoyed by his side’s 24-19 win over Ulster last Monday night, admitted: “The Ulster result was pleasing because we’re obviously working towards winning games like that. They (Ulster) gave us a scare down here as well, so for us it’s about minimising errors and if we can keep producing regularly then we can achieve better results.
“It was one of our better results and I was very happy with our defence. Because of the short turnaround though the guys are now focused on the Munster game. For us it’s about recovering, preparing, getting our focus and our game right.”
Leinster and Ireland players Reggie Corrigan (left) and Shane Horgan (right) with coach Michael Cheika at Wednesday’s press conference. Both prop Corrigan, who has lined out 106 times in Leinster blue, and centre Horgan, who has scored 30 tries in 93 appearances for the province, missed the win at Ravenhill. Former Ulster player Ronnie McCormack filled in for Corrigan who had a flu bug, while Horgan picked up a bruised hip injury from last week’s training stint with the Ireland squad in Lanzarote. Both are expected to start Saturday’s provincial derby.
Reggie Corrigan talks to RTE Radio Sport at the press conference. Cheika said of Leinster’s recent performances: “I don’t think that things have ever looked down from our perspective. The players are enjoying the new style of football. Some things go against us on the field, but it’s up to us to keep building as a team. We’re getting greater consistency which is the big word around here.”
Cheika added on the subject of returning players: “Brian (O’Driscoll), like any player, took a bit of time to find his feet but he’s in contention for this weekend as is Shane Horgan and even Denis Hickie. If it’s not this week for Denis then he should be right for the Llanelli game next week. It’s all about finding the right balance.”
**All photos by Dan Sheridan of Inpho Photography**