Rob Kearney Returns To Leinster Line-Up

Rob Kearney will start at full-back having last featured for Leinster in the European Champions Cup pool match away to Wasps on January 23.

Luke Fitzgerald, who pulled up with an injury in the first half of the game against Connacht three weeks ago, starts on the left wing, with Fergus McFadden completing the back-three.

Ben Te’o and Noel Reid will start the round 20 fixture as Leinster’s centre pairing, with Luke McGrath and Ian Madigan selected as the starting half-backs.

There is a new front row with Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross coming in for fellow Ireland internationals Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong, who all started in the derby win over Munster.

Academy lock Ross Molony starts in the second row with Mick Kearney, who will make his fifth appearance for the province. Rhys Ruddock captains Leinster from the back row alongside Josh van der Flier, who will make his twelfth start of the season, and Jordi Murphy who starts at number 8.

A win over Scotland’s capital club could keep Leinster at the top of the PRO12 table with just two rounds of the regular season to go after this weekend’s fixtures. Match tickets are on sale from €;20.

LEINSTER (v Edinburgh): Rob Kearney; Fergus McFadden, Ben Te’o, Noel Reid, Luke Fitzgerald; Ian Madigan, Luke McGrath; Cian Healy, Richardt Strauss, Mike Ross, Ross Molony, Mick Kearney, Rhys Ruddock (capt), Josh van der Flier, Jordi Murphy.

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Peter Dooley, Tadhg Furlong, Devin Toner, Dominic Ryan, Eoin Reddan, Cathal Marsh, Dave Kearney.