Brennan in for Miller

As expected, Leinster coach Matt Williams has recalled Trevor Brennan, in the absence of Eric Miller, for Leinster’s game against Newcastle at Kingston Park (6.15).

Miller was sent off in the Celtic League final victory over Munster and is serving a suspension but his absence will be eased considerably by the presence of Brennan who is such an integral part of Leinster’s success this season.

Leinster have already qualified for the quarter final stages but their immediate objective is to gain themselves a home draw in the quarters. And it’s a task coach Williams is not underestimating, “I watched Newcastle against Gloucester last weekend, a game they lost 29-25, but they showed the type of resilience which will make them very hard to beat on their home ground. At one stage they were 23-6 behind but they fought back really well. Besides, any team with Jonny Wilkinson at out-half must be respected.”

Other than Miller, Leinster are unchanged from the side that defeated Munster to win the Celtic League final. When they played Newcastle earlier in the competition, Leinster won 28-9 with tries from Miller, Gordon D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll.

Leinster.
Girvan Dempsey; Denis Hickie, Brian O’Driscoll, Shane Horgan, Gordon D’Arcy; Nathan Spooner, Brian O’Meara; Reg Corrigan (Capt), Shane Byrne, Paul Wallace; Leo Cullen, Malcolm O’Kelly; Trevor Brennan, Keith Gleeson, Victor Costello.

Replacements. P Coyle, G Hickie, B Casey/ L Toland, A McCullen, B Willis, A Magro, P McKenna.