Leicester-born Vesty was a utility back for hometown club Tigers as a player, but has since crossed the East Midlands divide as a coach.

The 42-year-old, who won two England caps in 2009, is keen to learn the lessons from his own career.

"As a player, I had coaches who wanted to play with freedom and then as soon as there was a mistake they screamed, 'Don't do that, look after the ball'," recalled Vesty.

"Learning is not a drill and it doesn't look pretty or amazing. If it does, you're not learning anything because the pressure isn't high enough.

"The higher pressure you live under, the better you will be."

Vesty is aware of the sizeable challenge at Croke Park, where Northampton's travelling supporters will be heavily outnumbered by vociferous Dubliners.

But, for now, he wants to instil a sense of calm.