Leinster Finalise Team To Face Ospreys
The Leinster team to face the Ospreys in Sunday’s RaboDirect PRO12 final at the RDS (kick-off 4pm) has been named.
In all, there are four changes to the Leinster side that started last weekend’s Heineken Cup final victory over Ulster – and all four are in the pack.
Leo Cullen leads a team which includes 13 Ireland internationals for the province’s third meeting of the season with the Welsh region.
Cullen partners Devin Toner in the second row with the Moynalvey man set to make his 97th appearance – and his 30th this season.
Two of the try scorers from the Ulster game, Heinke van der Merwe and Sean Cronin, have been promoted to the front row to link up with Mike Ross.
Number 8 Jamie Heaslip forms an experienced back row combination with Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin, who makes his 75th Leinster appearance, while Sean O’Brien (knee) is an absentee.
The table toppers’ back-line is unchanged as Eoin Reddan links up again with Jonathan Sexton at half-back and Gordon D’Arcy continues in the centre alongside Brian O’Driscoll.
Cian Healy (dead leg) will face a late fitness test to determine whether he can take his place on the bench, while All Black Brad Thorn is also among the replacements for Sunday’s sold-out encounter.
LEINSTER (v Ospreys): Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Isa Nacewa; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Heinke van der Merwe, Sean Cronin, Mike Ross, Leo Cullen (capt), Devin Toner, Kevin McLaughlin, Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy/Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Brad Thorn, Dominic Ryan, John Cooney, Ian Madigan, David Kearney.