Holwell makes debut, Dempsey makes return for Leinster

David Holwell will make his debut while Girvan Dempsey makes his first appearance of the season for Leinster this Sunday versus Edinburgh (KO 5.15 pm)

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)