A few more bruises were picked up in the Magners League play-off semi-final defeat of Irish rivals Ulster while opponents Northampton were also given a thorough work over in their Aviva Premiership semi-final defeat to rivals Leicester.

And Heaslip has called on his teammates to reach into their reserves of energy for the Saints clash that will see several individual rematches from Ireland’s 24-8 RBS 6 Nations defeat of England.

Heaslip said: “Your leg or some piece of you would have to be hanging off for you not to play this week.”

“You better be in a coffin because that's the only way you are not putting your hand up for selection!”

“Ulster really stuck it to us and did not make life easy for us at all. I think both teams will be a bit tired and battered but I don't think anyone will have any excuses come the end of the week.

“They had a tough game at the weekend. It was not an easy one for them and I am sure they are a little bit bruised and battered from it just like we were after Friday's match.”