RUGBY/European Cup:Two positions have been a constant cause for concern during this affluent period in Irish rugby. Leinster outsourced to Argentina and England to cover the dearth at outhalf and tight head but a gigantic Agen pack will have noted the injury enforced absence of Felipe Contepomi and Will Green.
Green's replacement at tight head, Fosi Pala'amo sustained an ankle injury against Ulster that looks set to fast track the signing of Stan Wright via the ERC wild-card outlet.
Wright, an 18 stone Cook Islands international with no Super 14 experience, arrived in Dublin on Sunday for a series of physical tests before tomorrow's registration deadline. Wright represents Northland in the New Zealand NPC and comes recommended by Auckland scrum coach Mike Casey.
Another option is South African born hooker Harry Vermass who has experience at number three. Also, Ronnie McCormack switched over to tight head when Reggie Corrigan was introduced at Ravenhill so this could mean the 36-year-old will go head to head with 42 times capped All Black prop Kees Meeuws in Saturday's penultimate game at Lansdowne Road.
Agen are struggling in mid-table of their domestic league but have been a revelation in Europe this season, with victories over Edinburgh and away to Gloucester.
"The win at Gloucester doesn't make this any less of a must-win game against Leinster," said Meeuws. "The most important impact is in terms of confidence. "
The outhalf conundrum also remains unsolved after the 6-6 draw with Ulster as Andy Dunne struggled, albeit in atrocious conditions. Christian Warner comes into consideration for Saturday but the Australian is not a goal kicker so Girvan Dempsey's probable return from injury becomes a priority.
The Leinster back three, Shane Horgan in particular, face arguably the best winger around as Rupeni Caucaunibuca finally comes to Dublin. The Fijian missed representing the Pacific Islanders in the last international at Lansdowne Road due to "personal reasons" although that didn't stop him crossing for a try in Agen's victory over Montpellier on the same weekend.
"He gives us a big confidence boost and improves our game by 10 to 20 per cent," said Meeuws. "Just knowing that, if we get turnover ball and give him a bit of space anything can happen gives us the motivation to try harder in the tackle area and keep up our work rate.
"So often one of his tries from nothing will win a game for us and knowing that can happen gets rid of the panic and enables us to concentrate on the game more."
Michael Cheika noted a few other areas of concern. "Everyone knows what a threat wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca can be but we also have a couple of decent wings ourselves while Agen also have players like Luc Lafforgue and Pepito Elhorga who can be a danger with the ball in hand.
"We will miss the injured Will Green and coping with their big pack at the set pieces will be a challenge but in that respect it was the perfect hit-out for us in Belfast where I was really pleased with our scrum and lineout against a very good Ulster pack."
Ulster have declared a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to London Irish, also on Saturday, while Munster are optimistic Barry Murphy (shoulder), David Wallace, Federico Pucciarello (both thigh strains) and John Kelly (hamstring) can all recover before Sunday's match at Cardiff Arms Park.
