RUGBY: The Lions have touched down in New Zealand while on the other side of the world, in a different hemisphere, there was another arrival of sorts, that of new Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

The former Randwick number eight and coach was an interested spectator at Merrion Road yesterday - for the closed-doors Whites versus Blues match - as he surveyed some of the players he will have at his disposal next season.

Chatting with a couple of senior Leinster players - outgoing captain Reggie Corrigan and Keith Gleeson - Cheika offered a low-key presence, content to press the flesh rather than take a more studious approach to on-field matters.

The Australian, who watched the abbreviated game with his assistant and compatriot David Knox, enthused: "I'm very much looking forward to a big challenge. I did get to see some of the European Cup coverage. For instance, I did see the Leicester match and one other. It's a little bit intermittent at home as the games are shown on cable a few weeks after they are played.

"I have been given a lot of tapes so there is plenty of homework to be done."

Cheika confirmed he had spoken to the departing Munster coach, Alan Gaffney, but stressed the players would be given every opportunity to prove themselves in front of him. He suggested that while he would listen to advice and take it on board, he preferred to judge for himself.

He sees the Leinster position as part of his evolution as a coach. Having finished playing for Randwick, he headed for Padova in Italy, to where he brought Knox, first as a player, then as his assistant. They're like chalk and cheese, according to Cheika, wearing a broad smile.

The pair returned to Sydney where they spent three years.

"I applied for (the position as coach) with the Perth franchise but missed out - he (Knox) was offered the assistant's role but turned it down," said Cheika.

"I have my own business so I don't need the money (that comes from coaching). I do it because it is a passion for me. I looked at the Leinster position and was excited by the squad available."

He was attracted by the possibilities of shaping and moulding what is potentially a strong side. He was aware of the tradition, and liked the fact it was a big-city team with a good catchment area in terms of support.

"I am looking to produce multi-skilled players who are fitter so that they can last longer (in a match) and play better. I want forwards who can carry the ball and we will look to play a 15-man game."

He's not naive. He did highlight the difference in climate, pitch surfaces and other variables that will see Leinster tailor their game to suit the conditions. He wants a team who do the basics well and have equal facility with the expansive approach and the kicking game, when required.

He is an advocate of a very strong defence.

Cheika was only formally offered the Leinster position on Thursday so he wouldn't be drawn too much on possible squad additions.

"Overall the squad is strong but there are three or four contracts left and we'll be looking to complement what we have in a couple of areas. That'll become apparent over the next couple of weeks. You've seen some of the names mentioned."

Cheika has signed a three-year deal and Leinster will be hoping he stays longer than some of the more recent incumbents.

He is considered a young, forward-thinking coach with a bright future: that reputation is about to be emphatically road-tested.