Tonight's opening European Cup match will define Leinster's season. Victory against Edinburgh Reivers would not only provide the impetus required for a robust campaign but restore tarnished confidence levels.
Leinster's predicament in the interprovincial championship remains a nagging concern but that can not be addressed for another four weeks: three defeats in five matches leaves them precariously close to missing out on automatic European qualification for next season. Stymied by a litany of injury problems they now embrace the European Cup having enjoyed a week's preparation free from absenteeism.
There are lingering doubts about scrum half Kevin Putt (calf) and centre Shane Horgan (knee) but as of now they are playing. Coach Matt Williams spoke of the delight of having his strongest squad available and the benefit of continuity of personnel in fine tuning a game plan for what will be a tricky assignment.
Leinster haven't travelled well in Europe and Williams reflected on the time spent teaching the players how to be professional in the way they approach matches outside of Donnybrook. It would be opportune for the province to shed the travel malaise. Last season they journeyed to Scotland in vain at the corresponding stage, losing a poor match to Glasgow Caledonians.
Tonight's opponents Edinburgh Reivers have enjoyed a mixed season to date, winning all bar one of their home matches - they lost to Glasgow - in the Welsh-Scottish League but have suffered annihilations on the road against Cardiff (80-16) and Swansea (69-20). They show three changes from the team that beat Caerphilly last weekend.
Scottish international Craig Joiner comes into the centre after a five match absence while Graeme Burns his personal duel with fellow international scrumhalf Iain Fairley. Seven foot tall former Northampton second row Richard Metcalfe will partner Nathan Hines in the second row.
Leinster's team play has been fractured; the performance of the pack considerably more accomplished than that of the backline, albeit that the latter has been hampered by constant change. Greater fluency is required. In this respect the performance of New Zealander Eddie Hekenui at outhalf will be pivotal as Williams outlined intent to utilise the pace and poise of his back three.
The Reivers like to play a fast, open game and Leinster can't afford to be cumbersome in comparison. French referees boast a tendency for a somewhat laissez-faire approach and it will be no surprise if Daniel Gillet favours the attacking team. Leinster have the ability and quality to win but must add the mental steel and accuracy of execution to guarantee a winning cocktail.
EDINBURGH REIVERS: C Paterson; K Milligan, C Joiner, K Utterson, C Murray; G Ross, G Burns; A Jacobsen, S Scott, B Stewart; N Hines, R Metcalfe; D McKinnon (capt), S Taylor, M Taylor.
LEINSTER: G Dempsey; D Hickie, B O'Driscoll, S Horgan, G D'Arcy; E Hekenui, K Putt; R Corrigan, S Byrne, E Byrne; M O'Kelly, L Cullen; E Miller, V Costello, L Toland (capt).
Referee: D Gillet (France).
Edinburgh Reivers
European Cup record: P 12, W5, D 1, L 6, Pts For 291, Pts Ag 304, Tries for 34, Tries Ag 27.
Leading try scorer: Conan Sharman 5.
Leading points scorer: Duncan Hodge 79.
Results this season: W L W L L L W.
Leinster
European Cup record: P 25, W 12, D 0, L 13, Pts for 561, Pts Ag 659, Tries for 52, Tries Ag 76.
Leading try scorer: John McWeeney 8.
Leading points scorer: Alan McGowan 225.
Record this season: W L W L L.
Odds: 4/6 Edinburgh Reivers, 20/1 draw, 6/5 Leinster. Handicap odds (Leinster plus 4 points) 10/11 Edinburgh, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Leinster.
Forecast: Leinster to win.
