Leinster Make Three Changes For Top Of The Table Clash
Leinster coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his side for Saturday evening’s Magners League showdown with the Llanelli Scarlets at Stradey Park (kick-off 5.30pm).
Malcolm O’Kelly will become the most capped Leinster player of all time when he lines up for his 140th appearance. The five-time capped British & Irish Lion, who is also Ireland’s record caps holder with 91, made his provincial debut 13 years ago.
He starts in the second row alongside another player making a landmark appearance, Leo Cullen, who will gain his 100th cap for the province as captain.
In all there are three changes to the team that started last weekend’s 34-18 victory over the Glasgow Warriors. Jonathan Sexton starts at out-half with Felipe Contepomi moving to inside centre to partner Michael Berne.
Shane Horgan, who scored a brace of tries last Friday, again forms a lively-looking back three alongside Luke Fitzgerald and full-back Rob Kearney.
In the third change, Stephen Keogh starts in the back row alongside Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip.
Girvan Dempsey has recovered from a hip injury and is named on a strong replacements bench, which has two positions to be confirmed closer to kick-off.
Meanwhile, a plane-load of Leinster supporters will be making an overnight trip to south Wales to support the table-toppers. This specially discounted flight is run in conjunction with Aer Arann, official airline partners to Leinster Rugby.
LEINSTER (v Llanelli Scarlets): Rob Kearney; Shane Horgan, Michael Berne, Felipe Contepomi, Luke Fitzgerald; Jonathan Sexton, Chris Whitaker; Ollie Le Roux, Bernard Jackman, Stan Wright, Leo Cullen (capt), Malcolm O’Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Brian Blaney, Cian Healy/Stephen Knoop, Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt/Keith Gleeson, Chris Keane, Christian Warner, Girvan Dempsey.