European Cup/Pool Two: John O'Sullivantalks to the Leinster tighthead prop about recent changes to the scrum laws

The decision by the IRB to alter the laws regarding the scrum from January 1st this year to incorporate a four-stage engagement is a positive step forward for the sport according to Leinster's tighthead prop Will Green.

The argument that they would emaciate one of the genuine contests in the sport, rendering it closer to its rugby league sibling, is not one to which Green would subscribe. "The IRB has taken a stance, reacted and is doing something about it (the scrum) which is good news.

"It's still a pretty big thud," he laughed in reference to the hit, when the respective scrums collide. The former European Cup winner with Wasps added: "They're (the IRB) trying for a uniformity of distance between the two packs. They are being proactive in changing the laws regarding the scrum.

"I am very pro what they have done because it's important with our sport that we get youngsters into the game. If you have too many neck injuries then parents might not let their children play the game and I think it's important the IRB are seen to be doing something and they are: it's up to the players and the referees to get behind it and make it work.

"(The new laws) have taken the hit out slightly. It's called for a bit more technique, although it's quite early (to offer a definitive analysis)."

As to the suggestion from the odd - aren't they all - gnarled frontrow veteran that the scrum is being dumbed down physically Green smiled: "The old dinosaurs were always going to have a go and it's never like it was in their day anyway. It's (still) pretty tough out there."

Every referee has his peccadilloes with regard to the way he officiates and Green confirmed that Leinster have analysed England's Dave Pearson who takes charge of tomorrow's game. He also rails against the suggestion that Leinster are about to wreak havoc at Donnybrook tomorrow because they're more than a little miffed about what happened in the reverse fixture in Edinburgh.

"A lot of people said we went up there in October (2006) and lost the game. It's disrespectful to Edinburgh. They beat us fair and square. We are anticipating a massive challenge out here tomorrow. I have played them four or five times and they have got the better of us over the last two years. They're a good outfit.

"Their forwards are very skilful and they stay wide off set plays. It's something that we have to be aware of and don't get suckered into mismatches or allow them to get numbers on us out wide. They have a good lineout and a pretty strong scrum: they are a good all-round side.

"You have got to keep your discipline against them. If you are not patient, you give them opportunities to kick their goals and as we found out they're very capable of doing that: against Llanelli last week they scored eight penalties."

The affable Englishman is happy to simply be playing again following a two-month spell on the sidelines with a neck/shoulder problem. He's become a cornerstone of this Leinster team and coach Michael Cheika certainly welcomed his return. Green admitted that successive 80 minutes in the last two matches has fast tracked his match fitness.

He smiled: "I'm getting there and just very pleased to be back out there. When you're injured it's frustrating and makes you realise how much you miss it."

Back where he wants to be - a feeling reciprocated by his team mates - Green refuses to look further ahead than tomorrow evening's game against Edinburgh.

Experience has taught him that the Scottish side can prove troublesome opponents, a trend he's hoping will be reversed this weekend.