RugbyLittle can be inferred from yesterday's 25-man squad announcements by Leinster, Munster and Ulster. What we do know is Felipe Contepomi, after a marvellous World Cup story and attending his brother's wedding in Argentina last week, is back training with his Leinster team-mates ahead of the potentially season-defining visit of the Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
As a result of Michael Cheika's constant interchanging of positions recently, the make-up of Friday's final squad, never mind the starting XV, is largely a guessing game.
The frontrow is a pivotal area as the Tigers have three world-class scrummagers in Martin Castrogiovanni, Marcos Ayerza and Julian White. Ollie Le Roux's bright start at loosehead for Leinster appears to have secured him a starting berth but the former Springbok, the most famous impact player in world rugby, may yet be used as a weapon off the bench. Stephen Knoop is also fit again so it's not inconceivable Cheika will opt for a five-two forwards to backs split - seen already this season - to counter Leicester's power game.
Luke Fitzgerald appears to have edged out Rob Kearney for the left-wing berth leaving the closest selection call between opensides Keith Gleeson and Shane Jennings. Along with Leo Cullen, Jennings recently returned from a two-year stint at Leicester. "There will be no mixed emotions," says Jennings. "I will always remember the good times I had over there, but Leinster is my home province and the team I want to play for.
"Fingers crossed I'll be involved because Lewis Moody and Martin Corry are two players I really look up to. Saturday will be a great test to see what we're made of."
The English champions crushed Cardiff last weekend with four World Cup final participants - Dan Hipkiss, Ben Kay, Martin Corry and Lewis Moody - returning. Their fifth participant from the South Africa game, hooker George Chuter, may also be back.
Leicester's three Murphys - Geordan, Johnny and Frank - provide an intriguing Irish subplot to the contest while Paul Burke could start at outhalf as Andy Goode is doubtful.
Marcelo Loffreda took up the director of rugby role at Leicester this week but Richard Cockerill picks the team while the former Argentina coach finds his feet. Still, Loffreda will be keen to make an immediate impact so Girvan Dempsey can expect an aerial bombardment as Leicester seek to add the RDS scalp alongside last season's Thomond Park victory.
Munster's notable absentee for the trip to Coventry to face Wasps is captain Paul O'Connell. Ronan O'Gara will lead the team despite the return of Anthony Foley. New Zealand backrow Jake Paringatai is also included.
Wasps welcome back their World Cup players, Rafael Ibanez, Paul Sackey and Lawrence Dallaglio, but Josh Lewsey is still injured.
Eoin Reddan comes into direct opposition with Peter Stringer for the first time since usurping him as Ireland's first-choice scrumhalf during the World Cup.
Ulster have named a full-strength squad, apart from long-term casualty Simon Best, for Friday's visit of Gloucester to Ravenhill.
Scottish winger Simon Danielli is an option and Kieron Dawson has made a quick recovery after being stretchered off during last weekend's 25-6 defeat to Glasgow. The decision over the number-seven jersey seems a straight choice between the experienced Dawson and Irish under-20s Grand Slam-winning captain David Pollack. Matt McCullough is another to return from injury.
LEINSTER: Forwards:O le Roux, S Wright, B Blaney, B Jackman, JF Gomez, S Knoop, L Cullen, C Jowitt, M O'Kelly, S Keogh, K McLaughlin, K Gleeson, S Jennings, J Heaslip; Backs:C Whitaker, C Willis, F Contepomi, J Sexton, C Warner, L Fitzgerald, R Kearney, G D'Arcy, B O'Driscoll (capt), S Horgan, G Dempsey.
MUNSTER: Forwards:M Horan, F Pucciariello, J Hayes, T Buckley, J Flannery, F Sheahan, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, D Wallace, J Paringatai, A Foley, D Leamy; Backs:P Stringer, T O'Leary, R O'Gara (capt), P Warwick, A Horgan, I Dowling, B Carney, R Tipoki, L Mafi, K Lewis, S Payne, D Hurley.
ULSTER: Forwards:N Best, R Best (capt), N Brady, R Caldwell, K Dawson, Co del Fava, S Ferris, D Fitzpatrick, J Fitzpatrick, J Harrison, M McCullough, R Wilson, B Young, D Pollock; Backs:M Bartholomeusz, I Boss, T Bowe, B Cunningham, R Dewey, D Humphreys, K Campbell, M McCrea, A Trimble, P Wallace, S Danielli.
