ITS going to be a dogfight that is the verdict of Leinsters Ireland and British Lions lock Malcolm OKelly about tonights Heineken Cup clash against Newport at Donnybrook.

Tonights game is the battle of Pool 6s top dogs and whoever wins will be in pole-position to progress to the competitions next stage, with both teams on two wins apiece.

The Leinster ace is part of a side who although unbeaten this season, winning all nine games, still clearly have respect for Newport.

Weve been trying to analyse what Newport are doing and weve been very impressed with them so far, said OKelly who will hear the roar of some 1,000 Black & Amber fans making the trip to Dublin.

We realise theyre a team improving with every game, theyve won their last five or six games.

They are probably as strong a team as well have faced all season and were expecting an absolute dogfight.

Weve got to play them three times in six weeks (the Heineken Cup return and the Celtic League quarter-final as well) so its going to be a tactical battle.

Were very apprehensive, but were looking forward to the encounter.

The three games will be very different. The first will be won where one will surprise the other, but after that surprises will go out of the window and well know how the other is going to play.

OKelly was a member of the Ireland team which beat Wales and England, as well as being a British Lion Down Under this summer, though he didnt play in a Test.

Ireland having had two games before England helped. Scotland gave us the beating we needed and Wales let us get back on our feet, he said.

We were then able to unleash terror on the English.

I dont need Graham Henry there to push me, I just want us to succeed.

The celebrations have been going on in Dublin and there are a lot of sore heads.

Newport RFC would like to point out, tonights game is not being televised and will not be shown at Rodney Parade.