In scoring points Felipe Contepomi would be top of any debating class. In the Heineken Cup this season he is the leading hunter-gatherer with 125 and joint-top try scorer with six but that is only part of the story. Felipe is pretty good and we're getting sick of saying it, " Leinster coach Michael Cheika says.

He's been hidden away from the Irish media all week, the word being that the Leinster management didn't want him spicing up an already over-hyped game. Contepomi has been known to bristle at the mythical status afforded Munster while Leinster retain what can kindly be referred to as a 'reputation'.

We play in different styles and we know each other pretty well, " Contepomi says. ?It will take something special to spring a surprise." Put simply, Leinster have a back line, full of internationals and with Brian O'Driscoll in fine fettle, to die for; Munster have a pack that will die for the cause. The former are the Dublin city slickers who will give you the runaround, the latter the rustic old boys from the country who will run through a brick wall if for no other reason than it's there.

Munster are the tough guys and we are the softies, " Contepomi says. I feel insulted. It's all cliches. When the Leinster boys play for Ireland you wouldn't say they were soft would you? Munster have a style that works for them and fair enough but I don't know if the people enjoy that kind of rugby or how much the players enjoy it. A kicking role at number 10 wouldn't suit me. The way we try to play is how I feel about the game."

This is one match that doesn't need any hype but it's getting it. It's not only Contepomi v Ronan O'Gara but Cheika against Declan Kidney. Kidney was transplanted as Leinster's coach last year when he walked out to re-join Munster. When Kidney was in charge the Argentinian hardly got a look in.

One of five brothers and three sisters, Contepomi learnt to play at Cardinal Newman College in Buenos Aires. His father Carlos was a captain and coach of the Pumas and his twin brother Manuel plays for Bristol.

Felipe had already spent four years studying medicine when his compatriot Agustin Pichot persuaded him to join Bristol. When they were relegated in 2003 he moved to Dublin. ?That was one of the hardest moments to swallow.

Bristol was my first professional club and they gave me a lot, the people, the city and the team. I still love them and I follow them on the internet." A quiet soul, he's increasingly defined by the outrageous risks he takes.

When the game starts I transform myself. Sometimes I get too passionate but if you don't take risks you'll never know how far you can go."

The perfect 10, as worn in the light blue and white by Porta and Diego Maradona.

The number 10 jersey is very important in Argentina, " Contepomi says. Hugo left a legacy I will never forget and Maradona was the best thing ever to happen to sport in Argentina." And the hand of God? Felipe has shaken it many times.