Stradey Park, home to Llanelli, second home to Leinster. The annual fixture between these two teams has forged a strong bond down the years and while familiarity would not inspire contempt on either side, the tenor of the relationship will change briefly today, before resuming previous conviviality.

The combatants face each other, not in a casual early-season friendly where victory is incidental, but in a hugely-important European Cup match where winning is fundamental to future aspirations. Both teams covet a place in the knockout stages of the competition, both are aware that any passage is likely to be a secondclass ticket to likely group winners Stade Francais.

Llanelli shoulder marginally greater expectation today, aware that winning home matches is a prerequisite. They also defend a proud record of never having lost a European Cup match at Stradey Park. Nine Welsh internationals in the starting line-up suggests that the famed production line of talent continues unabated, but that is misleading.

Two of those internationals, full back Darril Williams and out-half Stephen Jones, are mere fledglings, capped as replacements during Welsh rugby's frightening nadir, the 90 points-plus thrashing by South Africa during the summer. Three others, centre Neil Boobyer, wing Garan Evans and second row Chris Wyatt, have yet to reach double figures of caps.

Only centre Nigel Davies and wing Wayne Proctor serve to recall the quality of player for which the club was once famed. Others may acquire that status but for now the team smacks of transition.

The pack, led by abrasive hooker Robin McBryde, enjoys a quality lineout exponent in Mike Voyle. Also in the team are American international flanker Dave Hodges and Chris Wyatt, recently returned from Kuala Lumpur, where he played for Wales in the Commonwealth Sevens tournament.

Promising scrum-half Aled Thomas is named in preference to Rupert Moon, who is on the bench, after recovering from an elbow injury. The remainder of the backline are internationals.

Leinster's progress from the debacle of an opening interprovincial defeat by Ulster to the polished performance of their most recent outing, thrashing the same opponents at Ravenhill, illustrates the gradual development under the guidance of coach Mike Ruddock.

The one-time Swansea supremo is perfectly placed to mastermind Llanelli's downfall, having done so with his former club. Ruddock has moulded a powerful Leinster pack, solid in the scrummage, assured out of touch and blessed with a gargantuan back row of Trevor Brennan, Victor Costello and Craig Brownlie.

The reigning provincial champions have even managed to get over the absence of Reggie Corrigan and Angus McKeen, and in this respect Emmet Byrne deserves great credit. The Llanelli front row will, however, provide a formidable obstacle.

Leinster's three-quarter line, and in particular Girvan Dempsey, has appeared especially sharp, while full back Kevin Nowlan's pace and restored confidence mark him as a potential match winner. However, against the Welsh side's international back line the tackling will have to be more assured than on occasion this season.

Half backs Derek Hegarty and Alan McGowan arguably hold the key to victory if, as expected, Leinster manage to create a platform up front.