Brian O'Driscoll has been ruled out of Leinster's final Magners Celtic League match against Cardiff Blues on Friday night. In fact the Leinster and Irish captain was never expected by coach Michael Cheika to take part in this week's game.

Following Cheika's weekly interrogation on the progress of his centre's hamstring last week, he declared O'Driscoll would not take part. A Leinster official yesterday confirmed it would be perfect to have the Irish captain involved but a certain World Cup in August has also had a say in the matter.

With or without O'Driscoll, Leinster, who name a squad today at lunchtime, will have positive thoughts on their win-or-bust final game against the Welsh side, who helped the Irish cause no end by foundering over the weekend against Llanelli.

Not only did Leinster come out of their recent match against the Border Reivers injury free but the last time they played Cardiff in the Arms Park under Declan Kidney in December 2004, they came away with a victory.

Winning 6-15, Leinster inflicted Cardiff's first home defeat of that season and their first defeat in Wales for the previous 12 months. A late try from Girvan Dempsey following a break from replacement Gordon D'Arcy secured victory.

As Cardiff lost to Llanelli 38-10 last week, it means they need to beat Leinster and hope the Ospreys slip up against Newport at Rodney Parade tonight.

Leinster (61pts) with one game remaining can earn a maximum of 66 points, Ospreys (55pts), with two games, can earn a maximum 65 points and Cardiff (58pts) a maximum of 63 points if they beat Leinster with four tries.