D’Arcy And Kearney Back In Contention For Leinster
The Leinster squad trained at UCD on Monday, reporting no fresh injury concerns as they begin their preparations for their Heineken Cup round 2 trip to Llanelli to face the Scarlets.
Fergus McFadden, Richardt Strauss and Heinke van der Merwe all required stitches for head wounds following last Saturday’s 9-6 victory over Exeter Chiefs, but all three players are expected to take a full part in training this week.
The province’s captain Leo Cullen and Cian Healy both came through their respective comebacks from injury and will be available for selection again this weekend, while Gordon D’Arcy and Rob Kearney are also likely to be available for selection.
In a further fitness boost, Ireland scrum half Isaac Boss successfully came through the last half hour of the Leinster ‘A’ side’s opening round British & Irish Cup win over Leeds Carnegie following his recent arm injury.
David Kearney and Rhys Ruddock are making progress on their injuries and they have both stepped up their rehabilitations. It is hoped that they could be in contention for the province’s British & Irish Cup trip to Pontypridd this weekend.
Darren Hudson damaged his shoulder in the closing moments of the Leeds game and the Academy full-back/winger is rated doubtful for the Pontypridd match.
Asked about the improvements needed against the Scarlets, Leinster team manager Guy Easterby said: “We just need to be a little bit better, more accurate and patient. We spoke about having four visits to the opposition 22 in the first half last Saturday and not coming away with scores.
“So, we certainly need to be more patient in that area and more accurate. Hopefully with that will come more continuity and more rhythm and that is important moving forward.”