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.
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