Michael Cheika looks ahead to Munster game

ON MUNSTER: "I think that weeks like these are the most enjoyable because it's like a cup final atmosphere. Obviously there's a lot of tension that goes down when two provinces meet but there's a lot of respect between the two teams.

"They had a very good performance last weekend and dominated the game and the opposition into playing how they wanted them to, and that's why they're so good at it. That's why they're the best team in Europe. We've got to make sure we learn from some of the mistakes that Gloucester made, and that we don't make the same ones on Saturday.

"Is there envy towards Munster? No, they deserve all the plaudits they get. There's a quantum shift that has to go on, and we don't worry about what goes on with Munster. We worry about what happens with Leinster. If they go on to win it, and I think they will, then good on 'em.

"Jealousy will get you nothing. Hunger will get you everything.

"They're a very, very strong team and we're going to have to play very well to beat them. And we really want to beat them. We want to make sure that we're very well prepared for it."

FITNESS UPDATE: "I'd say his (Brian O'Driscoll) chances of playing are low. We're hoping (that he'll be fit). He's training as much as he can and he's doing everything he can to get ready for the game, but I'd say his chances of playing are low. But we're not giving up on it yet and we're not going to risk him in any way.

"If we think he can play, then he will be involved at some stage.

"Gordon (D'Arcy) is going to be out for a few more weeks. We're probably going to be looking to play this weekend and next without him and then we have a weekend off, so we'll see how he is then.

"Mick Berne has an ankle problem from the Llanelli game when he had to come off, while (Christian) Warner has a back problem which is why Eoin O'Malley is in the squad.

"We need some cover in the centre and he is an out-and-out 13. I know that it'll be a big game for him to play, with it being at home, but he has had some good form in the Ireland Under-20s so we've got a lot of confidence in the young fella."

ON TRANSFER LINKS WITH ROCKY ELSOM: "We have been looking for a player in that position. There are a few players that are available and he is one of them. He would be a nice player to get, but I'd say it's unlikely because I think the Union won't let him go or give him an early release from his contract."

ON COMPETITION IN THE BACK ROW: "We see someone like Kevin McLaughlin as a bright prospect but he has been unlucky with injuries. He figured prominently off the bench against Cardiff but then got injured in an 'A' game. We're looking at some options to try to get him some regular week in, week out football so we're looking at maybe the option of sending him away in the off season rather than training away because he has done plenty of that.

"He could go to South Africa to play. For example, boxers get body hardened by kicking a bit of timber. You've got to get used to playing week in, week out and even in the AIL there are weeks off here, weeks off there. If that's something that we think we can improve a player by, then we will do it.

"We want to harden our players up to get ready for football next season. He is getting over that injury so he should be available for the last few games of the season.

"We're about developing our own players. We try to have a succession plan for our players in the Academy. They don't always work, but we have a very big portion of our squad that's age 25 or under. We'll probably look to bring another three players up from our Academy next season."

ON OLLIE le ROUX'S FUTURE: "I think we'll still have some contact with him. We have a very good relationship and he has had an unbelievable effect on the squad. He definitely wants to keep some sort of involvement with us, so we have got some plans in terms of broadening our horizons with him.

"But he has had a great impact and hopefully he'll have as big an impact this weekend. He's up for the game and as we proceed with the competition for this season, he's determined to finish off a job well done so far.

"I'm just happy that he has done a good job for the team. The team enjoys his company. He is definitely not lacking in confidence and he has put that confidence into a lot of the players. He's also very giving in terms of imparting his knowledge to the younger players. Hopefully we will be able to have a continued relationship beyond this season."