Leinster Train Ahead Of First Bath Clash
The Leinster squad trained at UCD this afternoon ahead of Sunday’s Heineken Cup round 3 encounter with Bath at the Recreation Ground (kick-off 12.45pm).
Following medicals at the weekend, the Leinster management reported no fresh injury concerns emanating from Friday night’s RaboDirect PRO12 victory over Cardiff Blues.
Fergus McFadden, whose seven successful kicks at goal continued his 100% ratio for the season to date, was replaced midway during the second half by Rob Kearney, but the knock he took is not serious and he will be available for selection.
The likes of Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Jamie Heaslip and Kevin McLaughlin will all be back in the selection mix after being rested at separate intervals over the last fortnight.
Leo Auva’a scored his third league try in-a-row in the final minute of the 52-9 win over Cardiff, while fellow New Zealander Nathan White chipped in the first try of his professional career.
Last Friday’s triumph also marked Sean O’Brien’s 60th Leinster appearance, while Eoin Reddan’s next cap will be his 50th in Leinster colours.
Jonathan Sexton, who has kicked 22 points in the opening two rounds of the Heineken Cup, also brought his season’s tally to 70 points in five games so far.
Next Sunday’s game will mark the third year that Leinster and Bath have been paired together in the Heineken Cup pool stages.
Leinster are set to be bolstered by a strong travelling contingent of over 1,400 and the Official Leinster Supporters Club, in association with Bank of Ireland, will publish an away guide for those travelling to the game which can be downloaded from www.leinsterrugby.ie this week.
Over 40,000 tickets for the return round 4 fixture at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, December 17, have now been sold.
Tickets for Leinster v Bath can be bought online here, and after also available from the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
Meanwhile, Leinster ‘A’ will be hoping to continue their recent good run of form which has seen the province record successive bonus point victories away to Esher and at home to Melrose.
Colin McEntee’s men resume their British & Irish Cup campaign next Sunday with a trip to Parc y Scarlets to face Llanelli (kick-off 1pm).