Leinster out-half Jonathan Sexton will continue his World Cup duel with Ronan O'Gara when Munster travel to the Aviva Stadium in what promises to be an encounter of savage intensity one month into the Magners League on the first Saturday in October.

The individual head-to-head is as competitive as ever: "Leinster are playing Munster here before the internationals, so that will be a chance for a couple of the out-halfs that might be in contention to get a few kicks," said Sexton.

The predominantly white and glass backdrop at the north-side end could make it difficult for the prospective kickers. It will provide another layer of pressure for two players eager to impress Declan Kidney ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"I haven't seen it with the posts up. I've heard you can't really see the posts. That was before the first game here (the combined provinces match) but the lads didn't have a problem kicking into them. I am sure the first couple of times will be a bit strange. But you get used to it," he added.

It is clear from the Leinster players that coach Joe Schmidt will return the responsibility for decision-making to the players ahead of the first pre-season match against London Wasps at Donnybrook on Friday evening. He will ask them to take hold of a game in a way they, perhaps, did not do last season.

"We've learned a lot already in the time he has been here. Training has been different and refreshing. Obviously, we are working off his ideas and game plan and structures. It has been brilliant -- a breath of fresh air," said Sexton.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll spoke of his intentional decision not to attend any grand opening of the stadium. He was genuinely impressed at the magnificence of Ireland's new home.

"It is hugely exciting. You can't imagine what the old Lansdowne looked like when you see the Aviva down at pitch level. It is going to be fantastic when we get the opportunity to run out here," said O'Driscoll. "I purposely haven't been shown around the place because I wanted it to be exciting for the first time I got to come down here, whether it be for Leinster or Ireland."

The Irish captain will get to sample a full Aviva for Leinster and Ireland before Christmas, if he can stay free from injury, given that Leinster CEO Mick Dawson confirmed the coup of playing two marquee matches against Munster in the Magners League (Saturday, October 2) and Clermont-Auvergne in the Heineken Cup (Saturday, December 18).

"Leinster have enjoyed many outstanding moments in Lansdowne Road down through the years and we are confident that this double-header will kick-start an exciting new era for the province," said Dawson.

"We were proud to stage 'The Last Stand' against Ulster in December 2006 and we are grateful to the IRFU for enabling us to use this outstanding facility. Obviously, we remain committed long-term to the RDS, a real fortress for the team and our loyal supporters.

"But the move for these two games to the Aviva presents an enormous opportunity for those who can't readily access tickets to top-class rugby across the province.

"At the moment, it wouldn't be our intention to play any more games in the Aviva. We think two is about right. We want to fill it on both occasions. It is important, from a players' perspective, that we get it full.

"We're optimistic, with the market research we have done. If we fill it for the Munster match, the people who come here will have a good atmosphere -- the team will hopefully be going well.

"We have a plan. Obviously, Clermont won't bring too many people with them whereas Munster will probably take their quota, which is 8,000-9,000 tickets.

"The RDS is still our home. We are committed to them. We have a long-term agreement with them. We have a 20-year arrangement with The RDS. We have a break clause after 10 years. The RDS understand what we are trying to do.

"In the long term, we could knock down the Anglesea Stand and improve that stadium there and get it up to about 23,000-24,000 which is probably about right," insisted Dawson.

It is a long-term plan that will only be realised through short-term success. The season hasn't even started and the pressure is already on.

- Des Berry