Let's clear one thing up. Australian Super 12 side Waratahs don't have Matt Williams's CV in their vaults.

The vacancy that will arise next month when Bob Dwyer stands down as head coach has speculatively pulled the Leinster manager into the name pool as Australian officials have let it be known that they will review applications from coaches working overseas.

The London Times yesterday had Williams' as a possible candidate along side that of Munster coach Alan Gaffney, two of Australia's most successful exports. Well off the mark, it at least gave Williams something to laugh about.

"No. I've been there done that and got the T-shirt. No I don't want to go back to that," he said after training at Lansdowne Road yesterday in preparation for Sunday's European Cup semi-final against Perpignan.

It was a hopeful day overall for Williams as his recovering captain, Reggie Corrigan, again came through a tough session intact.

The eight-inch weld running down his right forearm makes it look as though any scrum is an invitation to the house of pain, but Corrigan was glowing.

"It's as normal as it can be, it's good. Held up very, very well in training," he said, smacking the scar a few times for reassurance.

"I took part in a full session, took full contact and it seems to be strong and good. It wouldn't exactly be 100 per cent. It was a bit sore and achey, but that was to be expected with an injury like this.

"At the end of the day, it will come down to a medical call. I've got to speak to Dr Quinlan today and he will make a final decision."

For Williams, his hopes rest with the prospect of Leinster improving.

Their long hiatus leading up to the Biarritz match left the hibernating side a little cold when they emerged.

The last two weeks have taken a few rough edges off a team that prides itself on an athletic and creative back line. Leinster are shaved up and ready to compete.

"I think it's important that we improve and we will improve," says Williams. "I think what we have to do is keep each game in context.

"Our expectations about how we would do against Biarritz were surpassed. So my expectations are different for this one.

"We've trained much, much better. Time-wise the pressure wasn't quite the same, there was a whole lot of stuff. We're actually a lot more relaxed for this match, but my expectations of our performance is higher than for the Biarritz match.

"I don't necessarily think it needs to be higher to beat Perpignan. If we had forced to ground the three tries we got over the line and with the few kicks that went astray, it would have been 40 points. It's about making the right decisions on the day."

In that respect, Williams, as ever, sees Brian O'Driscoll as his talismanic figure, one who looked more explosively dangerous against Biarritz than he has for some time.

"The old coach of the Chicago Bulls told a story when they won the play-offs," says Williams. "He was asked what the game plan was and answered, 'Give it to Michael Jordan'.

"When you've got a great player you want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. Brian beat his man or the gain-line 16 times against Biarritz."

Wonder if Perpignan have thought of that?

Meanwhile, London Irish's player-coach Brendan Venter has played his last game for the club after damaging knee ligaments during last Sunday's defeat against Leeds.