Leinster Team Announced For Edinburgh Game
The Leinster team to face Edinburgh in Friday night’s Magners League encounter at Murrayfield (kick-off 7.45pm) has been named.
Shane Horgan will start on the right wing in a back-line which features his fellow Ireland internationals Girvan Dempsey and Gordon D’Arcy. With Brian O’Driscoll rested, D’Arcy will be partnered in midfield by Fergus McFadden.
In the Leinster pack, Sean O’Brien is introduced to form a back row partnership with Cameron Jowitt and Stephen Keogh, two more new inclusions.
Meanwhile, Ireland duo Trevor Hogan and captain Leo Cullen will link up in the second row for Leinster’s second away trip in five days.
UCD and Ireland Under-20 back Ian McKinley, untried at this level, is a notable inclusion on the province’s replacements bench.
Speaking ahead of the Murrayfield clash, Ireland ‘A’ star O’Brien said: “There’s a lot of confidence in the squad right now. The Harlequins win has given us a lift and we know that the real hard work starts now.
“There are a few places up for grabs so the message for those of us who weren’t involved last week is that we will have to work hard to get into the team.
“I have enjoyed getting a run of games and being involved in big games, like the Wasps victory at home, gave me a taste of the level that’s required. It’s up to us this weekend to make a mark and take our chances.
“We have come up against tough teams throughout the league and Edinburgh will be formidable opponents on Friday.
“(Mike) Blair is a big threat and he really gets their back-line moving. Their pack is very strong and we will have to match them up front if we are to get anything from the game.
“It’s vital that we keep on picking up points so, in that respect, our thoughts won’t drift beyond this game.
“If we do that then we’ll run the risk of losing track of ourselves. We can’t let other results affect us. We respect Edinburgh as a side who consistently performs well.
“We’ve got to go over to Edinburgh and be positive and strong-minded. If we believe in ourselves and perform to the best of our ability, then we will be in contention and it is vital that we front up from the off,” he added.
LEINSTER (v Edinburgh): Girvan Dempsey; Shane Horgan, Fergus McFadden, Gordon D’Arcy, Simon Keogh; Isa Nacewa, Chris Keane; Ronan McCormack, John Fogarty, Stephen Knoop, Leo Cullen (capt), Trevor Hogan, Cameron Jowitt, Sean O’Brien, Stephen Keogh.
Replacements: Brian Blaney, Ollie Le Roux, Devin Toner, Kevin McLaughlin, Paul O’Donohoe, Ian McKinley, Gary Brown.