Jordi Murphy: European qualification still in Leinster’s hands

Flanker warns there can be no complacency ahead of final two Pro 12 games

Jordi Murphy: “I can’t imagine not being in Europe but we know that we have it in our hands and we’ve got to make sure that we are.” Photo:  Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Jordi Murphy: “I can’t imagine not being in Europe but we know that we have it in our hands and we’ve got to make sure that we are.” Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Injuries notwithstanding, Leinster won’t have any external player management issues ahead of Friday night’s penultimate Guinness Pro12 game against Benetton Treviso at the RDS (7.35).

The Irish province needs to win their remaining two matches to guarantee a fifth place finish in the league table. They travel to Edinburgh – the Scots are chasing a top six slot – on the final weekend of the season.

Treviso are hoping to fend off Zebre for the automatic Italian qualifying place in next season’s Champions Cup, while beaten European Challenge Cup finalists Edinburgh know that turning over Leinster at Murrayfield could offer a handsome reward.

Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy admitted: "I can't imagine not being in Europe but we know that we have it in our hands and we've got to make sure that we are.

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“Edinburgh and Scarlets are only four or five points behind us and we know that if we turn up like we have to some games this year we’re going to get turned over.”

Seán Cronin, Kane Douglas, Marty Moore and Rhys Ruddock are all out injured but Shane Jennings has passed the return to play protocols following a concussion and is expected to be available for selection. Leinster coach Matt O'Connor will announce the team and replacements on Thursday lunch-time.