Boss: Muliaina's massive for Connacht

Connacht have won their last four matches in all competitions and will record their best winning run in 12 years if they can overcome Leinster at the RDS Arena, while the reigning champions are looking to avoid a hat-trick of defeats to Irish opposition in the GUINNESS PRO12 this year.

Boss first met Muliaina as part of the fearsome New Zealand under-19 side that won the World Cup in 1999, and while Muliaina went on to become a 100-cap All Black legend, Boss instead elected to represent Ireland and won 20 international caps of his own.

Friday evening will see the pair meet again as opponents, and the 34-year-old scrum-half believes Muliaina is making the difference since his November GUINNESS PRO12 debut against Zebre.

"I know him well," said Boss. "He's played a hundred games for the All Blacks and has an unbelievable amount of experience, especially with the young back line they have got.

"He was with the All Blacks from a young age but had a couple of significant injuries over the last few years as well and could have won a lot more than 100 caps.

"He is a leader but he doesn't just lead by talk. He is very skilful and has that experience of knowing what to do and when to do it. He is a good guy and a lot of young players are feeding off him over there.

"We've been in touch by text but I know he is enjoying it here. Before he came he wanted to make an impact and these are the sort of games he wants to be involved in.

"You have Bundee Aki as well who is another talented player. I don't know if it's added too much of a different dimension to the side but it strengthens them.

"It takes the load off the younger guys' shoulders; they can express themselves a bit more and that is probably key for Connacht.

"You have Mils and Bundee and they have the experience to take hard decisions or step up to the plate if they need to and let the rest of the guys just worry about their own performance.

"They are getting stronger as the season is going on and it's going to be a really tough assignment for us."

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