Holwell makes debut, Dempsey makes return for Leinster

David Holwell will make his debut for Leinster when they take on Edinburgh this Sunday in Donnybrook (KO: 5.15pm).

The 29-year-old New Zealander partners Brian O’Meara at half-back, with Guy Easterby dropping to the bench.

Brian O’Driscoll partners Felipe Contepomi who moves in from out-half, while Girvan Dempsey will also make his first start of the season.

Dempsey comes in for Denis Hickie who is named amongst a strong replacement line-up alongside Ricky Nebbett, Shane Jennings, Ben Gissing and hooker Brian Blaney.

Emmett Byrne returns to the front-row for Nebbett, while there are also starts for the recalled Leo Cullen and Aidan McCullen.

Coach Declan Kidney has also left a vacancy amongst the back replacements which will be confirmed closer to the game.

Leinster:
15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Shane Horgan
13: Brian O’Driscoll
12: Felipe Contepomi
11: Gary Brown
10: David Holwell
9: Brian O’Meara
1: Reggie Corrigan (Captain)
2: Shane Byrne
3: Emmett Byrne
4: Malcolm O’Kelly
5: Leo Cullen
6: Aidan McCullen
7: Eric Miller
8: Victor Costello

Replacements:
16: Ricky Nebbett
17: Brian Blaney
18: Ben Gissing
19: Shane Jennings
20: Guy Easterby
21: A.N. Other
22: Denis Hickie
Referee: Nigel Williams (Wales)