Leinster look to hit the high notes against The Ospreys

The Ospreys marketing bods have a Welsh girl band, Dragonheart, playing before the game and at half-time, hoping that this ‘foxy foursome weave their own brand of magic’. Leinster fans will be hoping that the real high notes are hit by another foxy quartet – messrs O’Driscoll, Hickie, Brown and Contepomi.

(Well, did you really need to see another shot of rugby players?)

Even though the rugby community is salivating at the main course, the Heineken European Cup, there is a bit of the crispy shredded duck starter about Leinster’s game against The Ospreys – very tasty, and often better than the main event in my experience.

Not to belittle Benetton Treviso, but there is little doubt about which of Leinster’s coming two fixtures is the tougher ask.

The Ospreys are flying high with six consecutive wins in the Celtic League. They are the most prolific points scorers in the tournament, have racked up the most bonus points and have, in Gavin Henson, probably the outstanding individual in the tournament to date.

It is a touch ironic that the only side to deny The Ospreys a bonus point so far in the tournament is The Borders, given that they are also the only team without a win. Testimony to the strength of the league, or just an off night from the Welsh side?

Perhaps a bit of both. Whichever it was, there can be no doubting the size of Leinster’s task. Still, when you look at the sheer depth of talent available to Declan Kidney, you’ve always got to give them a chance. And, having got the Dragons match out of their system with a good win and superb final quarter performance against Edinburgh, Leinster look like they are about ready to hit their straps.

This week Kidney makes further changes that look designed to help settle on his preferred European lineup. Girvan Dempsey made a decent return last week and David Holwell, while not an unqualified success, showed signs that when he settles in he can bring the ‘old head’ that has been a missing ingredient in previous years.

Shane Horgan is the man that missed a seat when the music stopped this week, Kidney bringing back Denis Hickie and keeping faith with the man named as Ireland’s Celtic League Player of the Month for September, Gary Brown. Felipe Contepomi also retains the inside centre shirt, with Gordon D’Arcy named on the bench, but surely to get a run. Guy Easterby will be looking to produce a big game, what with Brian O’Meara having produced a fine all-round performance last week.

Not that it’s much less competitive up front. Leo Cullen was voted Leinster Player of the Month, but much watch Ben Gissing press his claim alongside Malcolm O’Kelly. Ricky Nebbett, improving by the match, starts at tighthead with Emmett Byrne on the bench. The backrow battleground sees Aidan McCullen, scorer of a sizzling late try last week on the blindside, Shane Jennings openside and Des Dillon seeking to usurp last week’s Man of the Match, Victor Costello, at No. 8. Assuming Eric Miller is fit to take his place on the bench, six of the seven replacements will be full internationals.

The Ospreys are missing international stars Jonathan Thomas and Stefan Terblanche to injury, but can still call upon such as Shane Williams, Gavin Henson, Sonny Parker, Jason Spice in the backline and Duncan Jones, Barry Williams, Brent Cockbain, rising star Ryan Jones and in-form Lyndon Bateman up front.

Now, what chance Bellefire at the next Leinster match?

Leinster:
15: Girvan Dempsey
14: Gary Brown
13: Brian O’Driscoll
12: Felipe Contepomi
11: Denis Hickie
10: David Holwell
9: Guy Easterby
1: Reggie Corrigan (Captain)
2: Shane Byrne
3: Ricky Nebbett
4: Malcolm O’Kelly
5: Ben Gissing
6: Aidan McCullen
7: Shane Jennings
8: Des Dillon
Replacements:
16: Emmett Byrne
17: Gavin Hickie
18: Leo Cullen
19: Eric Miller / Ciaran Potts
20: Brian O’Meara
21: Gordon D’Arcy
22: Shane Horgan

The Ospreys Squad of 23 is:
Backs
Adrian Durston
Richard Mustoe
Sonny Parker
David Bishop
Elvis Seveali’i
Shane Williams
Gavin Henson
Matthew Jones
Andy Williams
Jason Spice
Forwards
Duncan Jones
Adam Jones
Andrew Millward
Paul James
Mefin Davies
Barry Williams
Andy Newman
Lyndon Bateman
Brent Cockbain
Ryan Jones
Andy Lloyd
Richard Pugh
James Bater