"Obviously it is out of our hands and I would think Llanelli Scarlets must be most people's favourites for the title - and good luck to them if they do it," said the man who has taken over the Wales hot seat from Steve Hansen.

"However, if there are any slip-ups we still have to win in Dublin and that is going to be tough - Leinster Lions are a quality team but had a lot of disruption this season with the World Cup and Six Nations.

"That said, our first aim on Friday night is to get a result. Our second objective is to finish with more wins in the tournament than any other side and, if we can do that, it would be a big achievement.

"We are all looking forward to playing at Lansdowne Road, it is nice for the boys to play on such a great surface and in an international stadium.

"Overall I have really enjoyed the season - I am surprised how quickly it has gone - and it has been a great experience, starting from scratch with a brand new team.

"But when you have a squad who all play for each other and that team spirit is there, then you are always in with a chance."

MATCH INFO...

Cardiff Blues v Edinburgh Rugby (Arms Park, 7.05pm): The Blues' chances of Heineken Cup survival are simple. They have to win and hope the Ospreys lose. If both those things happen, it could come down to points difference, and with the two Welsh regions almost neck and neck on points difference (Ospreys +73, Blues +70), it's going to be a nervous couple of hours for both sets of supporters. The Blues know a bonus point for four tries will help their cause immensely, and while Edinburgh's Cup berth next season is safe, a win would take them out of the bottom third of the table.