Heaslip ready to face 'old friend'

 

Cheika replaced Declan Kidney as head coach at Leinster in May 2005 with his first season culminating in a European Cup semifinal loss against Munster.

 

In 2009 the Wallaby coach lifted the European Cup with Leinster, it was Cheika's first trophy as Leinster coach and Leinster's first since 2001's Celtic League.

 

Heaslip made his Leinster senior debut in the Celtic League under Cheika and worked with the Waratahs coach throughout his tenure at Leinster.

 

The Irish loose forward is well aware of the impact that a man like Cheika could have on the Australian team after his successful time with the Irish province.

 

"I have very fond memories of Cheika, he did a massive job in transforming the Leinster organisation, not just the team as such, but the organisation," Heaslip said.

 

"I think any Leinster supporter, fan, player will be forever grateful for what he has done.

 

"I have met him since, I have played against his side when I was with the British and Irish Lions – against the Waratahs."

 

Heaslip believes that the coach will be able to shed some light on Irish rugby, but it will not be his only focus.

 

"When it comes to coaching he knows the Irish rugby intimately, especially the Leinster players," Heaslip added.

 

"He will give them [the Wallabies] insights that they will not have had before, but knowing Cheika he will not spend a lot of time on that and will be very much about getting his side ready."

 

The Irish will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders when they face the Wallabies after recently leapfrogging the Southern Hemisphere power-house.

 

Ireland managed an impressive victory against the Springboks a fortnight ago and a comfortable victory against minnow team Georgia last week.

 

They will be looking for a clean sweep in their year-end when they face the Wallabies on Saturday.