Cheika plays down campaign disruptions

News round-up: The Triple Crown came at a price. Today is the first time in eight weeks that Leinster will have a full complement of players at their Anglesea Road training base. It's already well documented that they have no warm-up game before next week's season-defining European Heineken Cup quarter-final at the 37,000-capacity Municipal Stadium in Toulouse.

That means the last time a full-strength Leinster played together was the 35-23 Pool Five victory over Bath at the Recreation Grounds on January 22nd.

Despite this unsatisfactory preparation, Leinster coach Michael Cheika isn't getting too bothered. Taking the philosophical stance that comes so naturally to Australian rugby folk, he unearths a few positives.

"We had a night out on Monday for the boys to reacquaint themselves with each other. Seriously, though, the international fellas have been in with us a fair bit during the Six Nations period. We have such good facilities (Riverview Health and Fitness Club) that the guys have been up there a lot. Some even came down to the field a couple of times. They did leave after the Bath game but we have seen them since.

"I gave the rest of the squad the weekend off after Friday and they are back today (Wednesday) with the internationals back on Thursday. They deserved the break after putting in a lot of hard work recently."

The grumblings of discontent, which were such a feature of previous regimes, appear to have dissipated.

Leinster were missing numbers 12 to 15, Mal O'Kelly, Jamie Heaslip and Brian Blaney, for the St Patrick's Day friendly against Italian club Petrarca.

Denis Hickie was initially selected but was a notable absentee, having flown to London earlier that day as cover for Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll who was struggling with a hip flexor strain which he sustained against Scotland.

That snippet of information was kept under wraps by the Irish management.

Leinster won 22-12 against Petrarca, running in three tries out wide and one for Bernard Jackman off a well-controlled lineout maul.

Any benefit? "Petrarca was beneficial for us as it allowed us run a few new moves that we hope to use next week. Also, it gave us a hit-out. The greatest fear ahead of going to Toulouse would have been the lack of body contact. I know we are fitter than anyone else.

"The current set-up (the Six Nations disruption) is not easy and I am learning as I go but the camp is in good spirits."

The next day Cheika headed to the south of France for the French league fixture between Toulouse and, Munster's opponents, Perpignan.

"I'm actually surprised I didn't bump into a few Munster guys! We have also done a lot of video work recently. We watched them throughout the season so we've got a plan in gear now that hopefully we can translate to the players this week."

Toulouse have their own problems. They must blend back in the seven returning internationals - including Fabien Pelous and Freddy Michalak - for this weekend's home fixture against Agen. Minor stroke victim Gareth Thomas is out, Benoit Baby is eyeing the semi-finals to return from a knee injury and giant backrower Isitolo Maka sustained a torn calf muscle against Perpignan.

The bad news for Leinster is that Yannick Jauzion - arguably the greatest centre in world rugby, who missed the Six Nations through injury - looks to be nearing peak condition.

"Jauzion played last weekend and also the weekend before against Montpellier so he is back fit. They do have a problem with Isitolo Maka," said Cheika.

Then there is the issue of Leinster's former sons.

"Trevor Brennan also played over the weekend. I'd imagine they'll play him against us. That is usually the psychology of the French. Their modus operandi over the years would be to field players from the area of the opposition."

Such a tactic would prove a huge benefit to another former Leinster flanker, Aidan McCullen, who has experienced a difficult season with the European champions. The Maka injury may assist his cause.

"I hear there are 5,000 tickets already sold so I hope we can play well and don't let down the travelling support," added Cheika.