Leinster today announced the team to face Edinburgh Reivers, in Donnybrook this Friday.
As expected Trevor Brennan is recalled to the squad as a replacement for Eric Miller, who fractured his thumb in the provincial friendly last week. It will be the Mary’s second row’s fourth start for Leinster as they hope to secure a fourth win in the this seasons European Cup.
The last time the two sides met was at Myreside in early October last. It was a day when countless handling errors and schoolboy mistakes overshadowed the obvious dogged determination of the Leinster side. Reivers were eventual winners, by 29 points to 21.
The inclusion of Girvan Dempsey at full back is no doubt a welcome one for all concerned, however risky some may see it. Ireland’s international full back injured his ankle playing against South Africa last year and some believe it too early for his return. "He’s got to play sometime," was manager Ken Ging’s relaxed response to any doubt cast over his inclusion.
Dempsey’s inclusion means that Gordon D’arcy will revert back to the wing, while in the front row there will be a European debut for hooker Peter Smyth
Backs: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Denis Hickie, 13 Shane Horgan, 12 Brian O'Driscoll, 11 Gordon D'arcy, 10 Eddie Hekenui, 9 Brian O'Mara
Forwards: 1 Reggie Corrigan, 2 Peter Smith, 3 Emmet Byrne, 4 Bob Casey, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 6 Trevor Brennan, 7 Liam Toland (capt), 8 Victor Costello
Replacements: K Putt, M McHugh, P McKenna, D O'Brien, L Cullen G Halpin S Byrne
Backs: 15 Shane Stephens , 14 Denver Rumney , 13 Pat Duignan , 12 Tim Allnutt , 11 Darren Yapp 10 Eric Elwood , 9 James Ferris
Forwards: 1 Dan McFarland 2 Joe McVeigh 3 Martin Cahill 4 Rowan Frost I Dillon 5 Mark McConnell 6 Junior Charlie 7 Johnny O'Connor T Kearns 8 Michael Swift
Replacements: B Shelbourne, C Rigney, M Murphy, D Browne, J Screene, T Kearns
