Flanker Keith Gleeson recognises that, while Leinster are in pole position in the Heineken Cup and the Magners League, this is the time of the season when trophies are won and lost.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s friendly with Benetton Treviso in Donnybrook (KO: 6.30pm) Leinster wing forward Keith Gleeson commented:

“We’re on top of the Magners League and in the Heineken Cup play-offs so we’re exactly where we want to be going into the business end of the season.


In that respect, tomorrow’s game with Treviso is an important game for us. The players who haven’t been involved with the Ireland team have had a bit of a break and we’re all refreshed and raring to go.


We need game time after nearly a six-week break and it’s important that we get back playing our structures, patterns and getting our match fitness right.


We’re pleased with how January and February went in terms of results. We’ve cemented our position in both competitions, but we know that we need to focus on this vital period – March, April and May. This is the time where you win competitions.”