Leinster Switch Focus Back To European Title Defence
The Leinster squad trained in UCD today ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final encounter with the Cardiff Blues on Easter Saturday.
The province’s management report no major injury concerns from the 18-9 RaboDirect PRO12 win over Munster in Limerick.
Out-half Jonathan Sexton (cramp), who has scored 63 points in Europe so far this season, was withdrawn as a precaution on the hour mark but he will be available for selection.
Sexton kicked 12 points against the Munstermen in a game which saw fellow back Brian O’Driscoll complete 80 minutes in a Leinster jersey for the first time this season.
O’Driscoll, who is in the frame to make his seasonal European debut after two recent league outings, lies in second place in the competition’s overall top try scorer list with 32 tries in 75 games (two behind Vincent Clerc).
Gordon D’Arcy and Mike Ross were both separately treated for minor cuts during the Munster match, but neither injury will affect the availability of the Ireland duo.
Last Saturday’s inteprovincial derby marked a landmark appearance for D’Arcy who became only the second Leinster player in history to reach the 200 cap mark.
Brad Thorn overcame the effects of the ‘flu to play his second senior game for the province, though it is uncertain whether Eoin O’Malley (calf) will be in the mix this week. He will be further examined by the medical team ahead of Friday’s team announcement.
The Leinster v Cardiff Blues clash will be the fourth Heineken Cup meeting between the two sides who were last paired together in the pool stages during the 2003/04 campaign.
Following returns from Cardiff, there are over 48,000 tickets now sold for the quarter-final match. There are tickets still available online, and also from the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Leinster ‘A’ team will face Munster ‘A’ in the semi-final of the British & Irish Cup at the RDS on Good Friday (kick-off 6pm).
With free entry for Leinster Season Ticket holders upon presentation of this year’s membership card, there are already close to 1,000 tickets sold for this game priced at €;9 (adult), €;4 (schoolchild) if purchased online, or €;10/€;5 if bought on the gate on the night. Tickets are on sale online here.