Hogan Amongst The Changes For Leinster
Trevor Hogan and long term injury victim Gordon D’Arcy have forced their way into the Leinster team for Saturday’s Magners League showdown with Ulster at Ravenhill (kick-off 7.30pm).
Gordon D’Arcy, who is back fit after undergoing a number of operations on a forearm injury, starts on the right wing in a team that shows a number of changes to the one which beat the Newport Gwent Dragons last time out in the Magners League.
Felipe Contepomi, who will start after recovering from a hand infection, will line up alongside Luke Fitzgerald at centre.
Isa Nacewa, also back from a spell on the sideline, will partner stand-in skipper Chris Whitaker at half-back.
In the pack, John Fogarty comes into the front row alongside Cian Healy and Stan Wright, with Carlow youngster Sean O’Brien a starter in a back row that includes international duo Rocky Elsom and Jamie Heaslip.
Trevor Hogan, meanwhile, has been rewarded with a place in the second row after a series of impressive displays for the Leinster ‘A’ team.
Leinster coach Michael Cheika will finalise his replacements bench an hour before kick-off.
LEINSTER (v Ulster): Girvan Dempsey; Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Felipe Contepomi, Rob Kearney; Isa Nacewa, Chris Whitaker (capt); Cian Healy, John Fogarty, Stan Wright, Trevor Hogan, Devin Toner, Rocky Elsom, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements (from): Brian Blaney, Ronan McCormack, Malcolm O’Kelly, Stephen Keogh, Cameron Jowitt, Chris Keane, Jonathan Sexton, Simon Keogh.