Radical Kidney surgery as Leinster change eight
Felipe Contepomi makes his long-awaited return to Leinster colours against The Borders on Friday (7.30) at Donnybrook as Declan Kidney rings eight changes in total.
Leinster have made eight changes to the starting line-up for Friday’s Celtic League clash with The Borders at Donnybrook (KO: 7.30pm).
Argentina star Felipe Contepomi will make his first start of the season and partners Christian Warner at centre, while summer signings Guy Easterby (scrum-half) and Ricky Nebbett (prop) – second half substitutes in Leinster’s 17-15 win over Munster last weekend – will make their first starts for the province.
Denis Hickie starts at full-back in an attacking back-three alongside last Saturday’s try-scorers James Norton and Gary Brown. Easterby will partner Brian O’Meara – who boasts a 100% kicking ratio so far this season – at half-back. John McWeeney misses out with a hamstring strain sustained last weekend.
In the pack, Victor Costello starts at number eight with Des Dillon partnering skipper Leo Cullen in the second row. Eric Miller and Ciaran Potts both start at wing-forward.
David Blaney replaces Gavin Hickie at hooker with Nebbett taking Peter Coyle’s place in the front row. Ireland international hooker Shane Byrne takes his place amongst the substitutes.
Declan Kidney has left two vacancies on the bench which will be confirmed closer to kick off.
Leinster:
15: Denis Hickie
14: James Norton
13: Christian Warner
12: Felipe Contepomi
11: Gary Brown
10: Brian O’Meara
9: Guy Easterby
1: Ricky Nebbett
2: David Blaney
3: Emmett Byrne
4: Leo Cullen (Captain)
5: Des Dillon
6: Eric Miller
7: Ciaran Potts
8: Victor Costello
Replacements:
16: Peter Coyle
17: Shane Byrne
18: Ben Gissing
19: Aidan McCullen
20: A.N. Other
21: Kieran Lewis
22: A.N. Other
Referee: Phil Fear (Wales)