Leinster XV For Game v Pontypridd.
Despite the absence of injured pair Shane Horgan and Nathan Spooner Leinster can still manage a formidable side for the Celtic League opener against Pontypridd on Friday (7.35).
Leinster coach Matt Williams, like his provincial counterparts up north and in the south, is hampered by the non availability of the international squad members for Leinster squad training. The Celtic League champions face a Pontypridd side who reached the Parker Pen Shield final last season amid signs that there is a revival in Welsh club’s fortunes.
Taking that into consideration plus the return to the club of former players, Williams is naturally cautious about his side’s chances on Friday. “It’s going to be difficult for us to fire on all cylinders. We can’t really expect to give our usual performance and we will will need a lot spirit and pure hard graft to get us through on Friday night.”
The Leinster Lions team to play Pontypridd on Friday the 30th of August, kick off 7.35pm for the first match of the 2002/2003 Celtic League is;
Leinster LionsGirvan Dempsey; Denis Hickie, Brian O’ Driscoll, Christian Warner, Gordon D’Arcy; Andy Dunne, Brian O’ Meara; Victor Costello
Keith Gleeson, Eric Miller; Malcolm O’ Kelly, Leo Cullen; Paul Wallace, Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan (Capt).
Substitutes – 16: Niall Treston, 17: Peter Smyth, 18: Des Dillon, 19: Aidan McCullen, 20: Ben Willis, 21: David Quinlan, 22: Peter McKenna